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As a common method for preparing micron powder in industrial operations, the mechanical extrusion method simply pursues the particle size without considering the microstructure characteristics of sepiolite, which leads to problems such as bundles of sepiolite not being effectively dispersed, and thus the disruption of fibers is inevitably caused. In this work, a new micronization method for disaggregating these bundles while preserving the original structural integrity of the fibers is proposed based on steam pressure changes. The effects of steam pressure changes on the particle size distribution, microstructure, and properties of treated sepiolite are studied using X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and a specific surface area and aperture analyzer (BET). The experimental results show that the particle size of sepiolite powder depends greatly on steam pressure, and sepiolite powder with mass ratio of 91.6% and a particle size D97 of 21.27 μm is obtained at a steam pressure of 0.6 MPa. Compared to the sepiolite after mechanical extrusion, the sepiolite treated with steam pressure changes can maintain the integrity of its crystalline structure. The specific surface area of sepiolite enhanced from 80.15 m2 g−1 to 141.63 m2 g−1 as the steam pressure increased from 0.1 to 0.6 MPa, which is about 1.6 times that of the sample treated with mechanical extrusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: In this meta‐analysis, we aim to evaluate the risk of gallbladder and biliary disease of weight management strategies and investigate the association between weight reduction and risk of gallbladder or biliary disease. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a duration of at least 12 weeks that compare antiobesity medications (AOMs) with placebo or bariatric surgery with less intensive weight management strategy were concluded. Weight management strategy was associated with a significant increased risk of gallbladder or biliary disease (OR 1.361, 95% CI 1.147 to 1.614, P < 0.001, I2 = 3.5%), cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, and cholecystectomy compared with placebo or controls. The increased risk of gallbladder or biliary disease was observed both in pharmacotherapies subgroup and bariatric surgery subgroup. With regards of specific pharmacotherapies, an increased risk of gallbladder or biliary disease was observed in trials with glucagon‐like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP‐1 RA) treatments. In addition, trials with indication of obesity and overweight treatment and trials with higher doses showed significant higher risk of gallbladder or biliary disease compared with placebo or controls. In conclusion, weight management strategy was associated with an increased risk of gallbladder or biliary disease when compared with placebo or control groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fabrication of MnBi2Te4 family of materials has been demonstrated that intercalating magnetic MnTe layer into topological insulator Bi2Te3 is an efficient way to explore magnetic topological insulator. A natural question is that if multiple MnTe layers can be intercalated into Bi2Te3, meanwhile if the topological properties are well preserved. Based on first-principles calculations, we first confirm that multiple MnTe layers can be inserted into Bi2Te3 by forming antiferromagnetic MnnBi2Te3+n (n = 1–5) crystals, where each system is energetically stable and can be readily exfoliated down to a monolayer. Specifically, the structural phase transition from ABC to ABAC stacking happens when n ≥ 2. Further electronic band structure calculations and topological identification reveal that the magnetic MnnBi2Te3+n undergoes a topologically nontrivial to trivial phase transition when n > 2, which is attributed to that multiple MnTe layers destroy the topological property of Bi2Te3. In addition to applying compressed strain, the topological states can be restored by intercalating Bi2Te3 layers by forming (MnTe)n(Bi2Te3)m heterostructures. Most strikingly, it is found that the topological properties of (MnTe)n(Bi2Te3)m are universally determined by the ratio of n/m, once n/m ≤ 2.8, the desired topological states are recovered. Our notable findings enrich the family of magnetic topological insulator, providing opportunities to explore more intriguing topological phenomena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metamaterial is an artificial material with unique material properties that cannot be found in a naturally existing one, and hence it is able to perform functions that a conventional material cannot do. Consequently, it has shown great potential in various engineering applications such as resonance coupled mid-range wireless power transmission (R-WPT) systems. However, the analysis and design of an application-oriented metamaterial include both the unit cells and their combinations, and thus are very complex. Moreover, the performance of a metamaterial is very sensitive to uncertainties in both manufacturing and operating conditions. In this regard, a two-phase methodology for robust design optimizations of metamaterial slabs in R-WPT applications is proposed and applied to the design optimization of a prototype R-WPT system with promising results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Metformin is first‐line therapy for patients with diabetes. However, it may lower vitamin B12 concentrations, which could have hematological or neurological implications. This meta‐analyses reviewed all available studies on associations between metformin use and vitamin B12 levels, anemia, and neuropathy in diabetic patients. Methods: PubMed, Web of Knowledge, Cochrane Library, and Embase were searched to identify all relevant studies published in English prior to March 2018. Pooled risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for dichotomous outcomes and pooled mean differences (MDs) and 95% CIs were calculated for continuous outcomes. Results: Thirty‐one studies were included in the meta‐analyses. Compared with diabetic patients not taking metformin, patients taking metformin had a significantly higher risk of vitamin B12 deficiency (RR 2.09; 95% CI 1.49, 2.93; P < 0.0001; I2 = 64%) and significantly lower serum vitamin B12 concentrations (MD −63.70; 95% CI −74.35, −53.05] pM; P < 0.00001; I2 = 87%), which depended on dose and duration of treatment. Metformin use was also associated with significantly greater percentage decrease in serum vitamin B12 concentrations from baseline in diabetic patients (MD −14.68%; 95% CI −17.98%, −11.39%; P < 0.00001; I2 = 33%). Analyses revealed no significant association between metformin use and the prevalence of anemia or neuropathy. Conclusions: Metformin use led to significantly lowered vitamin B12 concentrations and significantly higher risk of vitamin B12 deficiency in diabetic patients. More quality studies are needed to explore the associations between metformin use and anemia and neuropathy in these patients. Annual vitamin B12 assessment in diabetic patients taking metformin is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To enhance both the solution speed and quality of a topology optimization (TO), a multiscale TO methodology by combining the sequential element rejection–admission (SERA) and boundary element evolvement is presented. In the proposed SERA approach, only the sensitivities of the boundary elements need to be computed and used, and an adaptive parameter updating strategy is introduced to balance the requirements on both convergence and quality performances. To eliminate the dependence of the final solution on the initial topology, a new hole generating mechanism is proposed. In addition, a sensitivity filter is designed to remove the checkerboard patterns as well as to further eliminate the mesh-dependent problem. Numerical results are reported to showcase the merits of the proposed methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wind driven optimization is a new entrant to evolutionary algorithms, and has been applied successfully to solve different engineering single objective (scalar) design problems. However, lukewarm efforts have been devoted to develop a vector optimizer using a wind driven optimization algorithm. This paper explores the potential of this new optimal method in solving multi-objective design problems in electromagnetics. In this regard, a vector wind driven optimization algorithm is proposed and validated using two inverse problems with promising numerical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxygen vacancy engineering is an appealing strategy in the direction of photocatalytic pollutant purification. Unfortunately, the short lifetime of oxygen vacancies significantly limits photocatalytic efficiencies and their application. Herein, we report that such a scenario can be resolved via plasmonic silver metal modification SrTiO 3 containing oxygen vacancies, which can achieve a high NO removal rate of 70.0% and long stability. This outstanding photocatalytic activity can be attributed to the increased optical response range and carrier separation by metallic Ag with the unique character of localized surface plasmonic resonance (LSPR) effect. Moreover, the intrinsic mechanism of how the plasmonic metal could enhance the stability of oxygen vacancies is proposed. The plasmon-driven hot carriers inject SrTiO 3 support that promotes the regeneration of oxygen vacancies around the interface, meanwhile, the introduction of Ag nanoparticles prevents the oxygen vacancies from being filled by the reactant. This work elucidates the unique role of plasmonic metal in photocatalysis, providing an innovative idea for improving catalytic stability. [Display omitted] • Plasmonic Ag metal modification SrTiO 3 with oxygen vacancies was designed and synthesized by a facile method. • The injection of plasmon-driven hot carriers into SrTiO 3 promotes the regeneration of oxygen vacancies. • The introduction of Ag metal prevents the oxygen vacancies from being filled by the reactant. • The mechanism of photocatalytic NO oxidation was revealed by in-situ DRIFTS and DFT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aims/Introduction: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of combining insulin therapy with dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitors compared with combining insulin therapy with a placebo or other antihyperglycemic agents. Materials and Methods: A literature search was carried out via electronic databases. The inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials comparing the addition of DPP‐4 inhibitors to insulin with the addition of a placebo or other active hypoglycemic agents to insulin therapy, study duration of no less than 12 weeks carried out in type 2 diabetes patients and the availability of outcome data to evaluate a change in the glycated hemoglobin. Results: The glycated hemoglobin‐lowering efficacy was significantly greater with DPP‐4 inhibitor/insulin (DPP‐4i/INS) than with placebo/insulin (weighted mean difference −0.53%, 95% confidence interval −0.63, −0.43, P < 0.01). The postprandial plasma glucose‐lowering efficacies was also significantly greater with DPP‐4i/INS than with placebo/insulin (weighted mean difference −1.65 mmol/L, 95% CI: −2.34, −0.96, P < 0.05). The risk of hypoglycemia or severe hypoglycemia was similar for DPP4i/INS and placebo/insulin treatments. There was no significant difference in the glycemia‐lowering efficacy between DPP‐4i/INS and alpha‐glucosidase inhibitors/insulin, thiazolidinedione/insulin and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist/insulin. Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor/insulin treatment achieved better placebo‐corrected efficacy in lowering postprandial plasma glucose, with less weight gain and no higher risk of hypoglycemia. Conclusions: Treatment with DPP‐4 inhibitors combined with insulin improved glycemic control without an increased risk of hypoglycemia or weight gain compared with insulin treatment alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A direct search formulation to treat the robust performances as additional constrained functions is proposed for robust optimization of electromagnetic devices under uncertainties. To solve the resulting robust optimization problem, a robust-oriented quantum-inspired evolutionary algorithm (QEA) is proposed. In the proposed robust-oriented QEA, a mechanism to activate the robust performance checking procedure only to promising solution is introduced, and an automatic updating mechanism for the increment angle is designed to guarantee a good balance between exploration and exploitation searches. Also, the stochastic approximation method is employed to minimize the computational burdens in determining the gradient information. The numerical results on two case studies are reported in order to validate the feasibility and the merit of the proposed direct search methodology in solving both benchmark problems and practical engineering robust optimal designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hole series parts is widely used in the aerospace, automotive electronics, instrumentation, and hydraulic components. There are many of holes with the same machining parameter in this kind of parts, the consistency evaluation of these hole surface quality is one of the most important considerations. Based on wavelet packet energy spectrum, higher-order statistics, radar chart, and fuzzy c-means (FCM) algorithm, a method is presented to evaluate hole surface quality quickly and effectively. Vibration signal is used as the main source of information about the drilling process. In this paper, wavelet packet energy spectrum (WPES) and higher-order statistics, which can image the information on both time and frequency domain, are applied as preparatory work for cluster analysis. Then, a ten-dimensional feature vector for cluster analysis is constructed from the value of higher-order statistics and wavelet packet energy ratio of the frequency bands where the energy is abnormal. Finally, cluster analysis based on radar chart and FCM algorithm is conducted on the feature vector for classification. By comparison, it is found that the cluster analysis result is basically consistent with the artificial test result. The proposed method can be further extended to the quality evaluation of other machining processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study is to compare the effects of hypoglycemic treatments in groups of patients categorized according to the mean baseline body mass indexes (BMIs). Methods: Studies were identified by a literature search and all the studies were double blind, placebo-controlled randomized trials in type 2 diabetes patients; study length of ≥12 weeks with the efficacy evaluated by changes in HbA1c from baseline in groups. The electronic search was first conducted in January 2015 and repeated in June 2015. Results: 227 studies were included. Treatment with sulfonylureas was compared with placebo in overweight patients and resulted in a significantly greater change in the HbA1c levels (weighted mean difference (WMD), −1.39%) compared to obese patients (WMD, −0.77%)(p<0.05). Treatment with metformin in overweight patients resulted in a comparable change in the HbA1c levels (WMD, −0.99%) compared to obese patients (WMD, −1.06%)(p>0.05). Treatment with alpha glucosidase inhibitors in normal weight patients was associated with a HbA1c change (WMD, −0.94%) that was comparable that in overweight (WMD, −0.72%) and obese patients (WMD, −0.56%)(p>0.05). Treatment with thiazolidinediones in normal weight patients was associated with a HbA1c change (WMD, −1.04%) that was comparable with that in overweight (WMD, −1.02%) and obese patients (WMD, −0.88%)(p>0.05). Treatment with DPP-4 inhibitors in normal weight patients was associated with a HbA1c change (WMD, −0.93%) that was comparable with that in overweight (WMD, −0.66%) and obese patients (WMD, −0.61%)(p>0.05). In total, of the seven hypoglycemic agents, regression analysis indicated that the mean baseline BMI was not associated with the mean HbA1c changes from baseline. Conclusion: In each kind of hypoglycemic therapy in type 2 diabetes, the baseline BMI was not associated with the efficacy of HbA1c changes from baseline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyethylene film (PEF) cannot retain "ineffective precipitation" (< 10 mm) in drylands, and PEF residues in farmland have detrimental impacts on soil health. Thus, water-permeable plastic film (WPF) that can retain ineffective precipitation and biodegradable film (BF) that can be degraded were developed. However, the yield performance using WPF and BF varied a lot in different crops and experimental sites as compared with PEF. Here, we evaluated the applicability of WPF and BF as alternatives to PEF on millet, sorghum and corn with different growth periods on the northern Loess Plateau of China. Our results showed that, compared with PEF, ineffective precipitation was successfully preserved and soil water storage was 13–19 mm higher under WPF. Furthermore, the activities of urease, alkaline phosphatase, catalase, and contents of soil NO 3 ––N, available phosphorus were also higher under WPF, due to the improved soil water conditions and mitigated soil temperature. Consequently, the yields of the three crops were 5–18% higher under WPF. The yield under BF did not decrease in millet, while it was 8–15% lower in sorghum and corn than that under PEF. When a large area of BF cracks appeared, sorghum and corn were in the middle growth period with a low leaf area index (LAI), and the rainy season did not come yet; but for millet, it coincided with the rainy season in its late growth period with a high LAI. Therefore, compared with PEF, soil water storage was 9–30 mm lower under BF in sorghum and corn during the middle growth stage, which resulted in lower soil enzyme activities and nutrient contents. In conclusion, as an alternative to PEF, WPF application is favorable in areas with high ineffective precipitation, and BF application is not suitable for crops with long growth period and low LAI. • Water-permeable plastic film (WPF) and biodegradable film (BF) compared to polyethylene film (PEF). • WPF increased yield by 5–18% and increased water productivity by 18–22%. • WPF retained much ineffective precipitation and mitigated high soil temperature. • BF can replace PEF in crops with short growth period and high LAI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In drylands, rainfed crops generally produce low yield due to low and irregular annual precipitation. It is challenging to obtain both high and stable crop yield in drylands. Soil water storage and consumption are crucial affecting crop yield in drylands. However, the relationship between yield and the degree of subsoil water consumption is still unclear. To clarify the contribution of subsoil water on yield performance under different conditions of WS (water supply during the growing season), we analyzed the relationship between grain yield of winter wheat and SWC 1–2 (1–2 m subsoil water consumption) under different WS conditions, from published studies on a typical dryland habitat (Loess Plateau of China). The results showed that increasing SWC 1–2 during late growth stage had a great potential to increase wheat yield. Moreover, the probability of low wheat yield decreased as more subsoil water was used. When the residual subsoil water storage reduced from (270–210) to (150–90) mm at harvest time, the probability of yield falling below 4000 kg ha−1 was decreased from 100 % to 48.01 % under < 666 mm WS conditions; and the probability of exceeding 5000 kg ha−1 was greatly increased from 0.55 % to 99.59 % under > 666 mm WS conditions. In addition, SWC 1–2 was significantly increased with increasing number of spikes or shoot biomass, which suggests that it is necessary to ensure a sufficient plant population for higher consumption of subsoil water. Our study indicates that wheat yield can be greatly enhanced by using more subsoil water under high WS conditions, and the probability of low wheat yield can be decreased with increasing subsoil water consumption under low WS conditions. • Increasing subsoil water consumption (SWC 1–2) greatly increased wheat yield under high water supply (WS) conditions. • Increasing SWC 1–2 reduced the probability of low wheat yield under low WS conditions. • Increasing SWC 1–2 has a great potential to increase yield and yield stability in dryland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is increasing rapidly in the young population. The clinical characteristics and risk factors for young type 2 diabetes patients with atherosclerosis are not fully explicated. The aim of the present study was to investigate various clinical and biochemical characteristics of young type 2 diabetic patients with atherosclerosis. Design and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. The study involved 2199 hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes. The young patients were classified into the atherosclerotic group or the non-atherosclerotic group, and we also enrolled an older group with peripheral atherosclerosis disease and an age of at least 45 years. Comparisons were made between the different groups to investigate the cardiovascular and metabolic risk profiles of young type 2 diabetes patients with atherosclerosis. We also used logistic regression models to assess the atherosclerosis risk factors for young patients. Results: Compared to older type 2 diabetes patients with atherosclerosis, young patients with atherosclerosis had more deleterious profiles of weight and hyperlipidemia. Only age and diabetes duration were found to be significant independent risk factors for atherosclerosis in young patients. The ratio of the presence of atherosclerosis in the lower extremity arteries alone was significantly higher in young patients than older patients (26.4% vs. 14.0%, P = 0.000). Conclusion: Young type 2 diabetes patients with atherosclerosis have more adverse cardiovascular risk profiles and inadequate control of these risk factors. Lower extremity examination is of high importance in young patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding particle flow characteristics can help improve the efficiency of nonmetallic ore powder air classifiers. In this paper, dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) and the discrete element method (DEM) were adopted to study the interactions between the gas phase and solid particles. Gas and solid phases were coupled using the single-particle DPD model. Taking sepiolite particles as an example, at the optimal input air velocity in the pipeline, the gas particle velocity distribution, solid particle velocity distribution, solid particle concentration distribution, and solid particle position distribution were analyzed by numerical simulations. A comparison of numerical simulation and experimental results showed that when the input air velocity U a in the pipeline was 17 m/s, the velocity of particles and gas in the pipeline gradually increased from the wall to the center of the pipeline. The velocity near the pipeline wall changed rapidly, and the velocity in the main flow area remained basically unchanged. Particles left the pipeline in a uniform and dispersed state and were carried into the classification area. As the input air velocity increased, the pressure drop across the pipeline also increased. Therefore, the optimal input air velocity value could be reasonably selected to minimize energy consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achieving carbon neutrality is a global goal, and increasing crop yield while reducing agriculture-related greenhouse gas (GHG, including CO 2 , CH 4 , and N 2 O) emissions is an urgent challenge. In the dryland of northwest China, the high input of nitrogen (N) fertilizer drives high GHG emissions. Replacement of part of the N fertilizer with manure (NM) and adding supplemental irrigation water (NMW) to NM can significantly increase crop yields. However, it is still unknown whether the increased yield would induce more GHG emissions. In this study, the change in GHG emissions were investigated under conventional farmer N application (FN), NM and NMW in winter wheat cropping systems. The two-year study showed that the global warming potential, greenhouse gas intensity and carbon footprint of NM and NMW were 3–25%, 21–42% and 9–18% lower, respectively, than those of FN, owing to the lower N fertilizer and the associated N 2 O emissions under NM and NMW. In addition, compared with FN, CO 2 emissions during the growing season were higher under NM and NMW; however, due to the 23–40% higher biomass productivity, NM and NMW neutralized and fixed more CO 2 (21–39% higher net ecosystem productivity) than FN. Therefore, NM and NMW could be favorable agronomic practices in the Loess Plateau when considering the dual goal of maintaining acceptable yields while reducing GHG emissions. • Manure substitution (NM) and supplemental irrigation (NMW) greatly increased wheat yield. • NM and NMW decreased N 2 O emissions from dryland cropland. • NM and NMW decreased GWP, GHGI, and CF and increased NEP. • NM and NMW mitigated GHG emissions under acceptable yield level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyzed 88 control region sequences of green sea turtle ( Chelonia mydas ) from around Hainan Island in the South China Sea. These sequences had a length of 489 bp and revealed 8 mtDNA haplotypes of which four haplotypes (CMC1, CMC4, CMC7, and CMC8) had not been discovered before. Haplotype diversity (h) and nucleotide diversity (π) were 0.45 ± 0.054 and 0.0035 ± 0.0014, respectively. Neighbor-Joining tree based on control region sequences revealed that genetic relationship between green sea turtles from the South China Sea and from Japan Sea were very close. Clustering relationship based on control region sequences indicated that the South China Sea is an important breeding site and feeding habitat for green sea turtles, which connects with the Middle East Pacific, the Southwest Pacific and the Indian Ocean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Efficient and stable photocatalytic VOCs decomposition was achieved on SrTiO 3. • The perovskites with special electronic structures dictate photocatalysis efficiency. • The electronic structure of SrTiO 3 could promote the activation of O 2 and H 2 O. • The DFT and In situ DRIFTS are combined to reveal the ring-opening mechanism. • The reaction mechanisms of photocatalytic decomposition of VOCs was proposed. Considering that the structural differences could dictate the photocatalytic efficiency, the cubic SrTiO 3 (STO) and tetragonal CaTiO 3 (CTO) were developed to illustrate the structure–activity relationship. The STO with cubic structure demonstrates much higher photocatalytic toluene removal efficiency (ca. 80.0%) than that of CTO (ca. 20.0%), which can be ascribed to boosted formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), increased selectivity of intermediates, and promoted ring-opening and mineralization rate. Combining theoretical simulation and experimental characterization, the results reveal that the O 2 and H 2 O molecules tend to be adsorbed on the cubic STO, which boosts the formation of ROS. Also, highly selective formation of intermediate (benzoic acid) has been realized to accelerate ring-open and mineralization process as evidenced by the smooth conversion of STO as indicated by Gibbs free energy. This work provides new perspectives on the understanding of relationship between intrinsic structure and photocatalytic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a Bayesian approach for foreground segmentation in monocular image sequences. To overcome the limitations of background modeling in dealing with pixel-wise processing, spatial coherence and temporal persistency are formulated with background model under a maximum a posteriori probability (MAP)-Markov random field statistical (MRF) framework. Fuzzy clustering factor was introduced into the prior energy of MRFs for the new implementation scheme, where contextual constraints can be adaptively adjusted in terms of feature cues. Experimental results for several image sequences are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Integrated management of agronomic practices largely improved the wheat yield. • The high yield was due to the higher water use efficiency and subsoil water using. • The changing of water use patterns contributed to the higher water use efficiency. Low yields of winter wheat are common throughout the Loess Plateau due to the region's erratic precipitation and the mismatch between the rainy season and the winter wheat growing season. In order to achieve sustainable high yields of winter wheat in this area, we set 6,000 kg hm−2 as our yield goal and investigated the effects of four types of management systems, including a conventional farmers' management system and three integrated management systems, on winter wheat production over five consecutive years. The management practices varied in terms of seeding rates, nitrogen (N) application strategies, and application of manure or biochar. Our five-year study revealed that the average winter wheat yield under a manure integrated system (MIS) or a biochar integrated system (BIS) could achieve nearly 6,000 kg hm−2 while also enhancing water use efficiency (WUE) to 1.63–1.69 kg m−3. The high yields under MIS and BIS were mainly due to the large plant population that these systems permitted during the whole growing season, which was supported by favorable soil N levels (NO 3 −–N content) and sufficient water supply. The high WUE under both systems was mainly due to decreased loss of precipitation (i.e., increased storage in the soil) during early growth stages (from sowing time to regreening stage) and increased use of subsoil water (100–300 cm) during late growth stages (from regreening to harvest time) by the large root system. In addition, the annual evapotranspiration under MIS and BIS was much lower than the annual precipitation in this area. Therefore, MIS and BIS are likely to be useful integrated management systems enabling sustainable high yields of winter wheat in the Loess Plateau through the regulation of water use patterns in both spatial and temporal terms. Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of exogenous application of melatonin (MEL) on promoting plant growth and alleviating environmental stresses are already known, but the potential value in crop production is still poorly understood. In this study, the effects of seed pre-soaking with MEL on winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growth and yield were investigated in a continuous two-year pot experiment and another year of field experimentation. Results showed that seed pre-soaking with different concentrations of MEL (10, 100 and 500 μM) for 24 h increased grain yields per plant from 29% to 80% in pot experiment and increased grain yield per area from 4–19% in field experiment, compared with the controls. Further analysis showed that the beneficial effects of MEL on improving wheat grain yield can be ascribed to: (1) increased spike number by enhancing tiller number; (2) enhanced carbon assimilation capacity by maintaining large leaf area, high photosynthetic rate and delaying leaf senescence; (3) promoted growth in root system. The result of this study suggests that MEL could be considered as an effective plant growth regulator for improving grain production in winter wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated post-heart transplant (HTx) outcomes after use of higher-risk donor hearts for candidates supported with pre-HTx mechanical circulatory support (MCS). In this retrospective analysis of the national United Network for Organ Sharing registry, a total of 9,915 adult candidates on MCS underwent HTx from January 1, 2010 to March 31, 2019. Multi-organ, re-transplant, and congenital heart disease patients were excluded. Higher-risk donor organs met at least one of the following criteria: left ventricular ejection fraction <50%, donor to recipient predicted heart mass ratio <0.86, donor age >55 years, or ischemic time >4 hours. Primary outcome was 1 year post-transplant survival. Among HTx recipients, 3688 (37.2%) received higher-risk donor hearts. Candidates supported with pre-HTx extracorporeal membrane oxygenation or biventricular assist device (n = 374, 3.8%) who received higher-risk donor hearts had comparable 1 year survival (HR: 1.14, 95% CI: [0.67-1.93], p = 0.64) to recipients of standard-risk donor hearts, when adjusted for recipient age and sex. In candidates supported with intra-aortic balloon pump (n = 1391, 14.6%), transplantation of higher-risk donor hearts did not adversely affect 1 year survival (HR: 0.80, 95% CI: [0.52-1.22], p = 0.30). Patients on durable left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) who received higher-risk donor hearts had comparable 1 year survival to continued LVAD support on the waitlist, but mortality was increased compared to those who received standard-risk donor hearts (HR: 1.37, 95% CI: [1.11-1.70], p = 0.004). Patients requiring pre-HTx temporary MCS who received higher-risk donor hearts had comparable 1 year post-transplant survival to those who received standard-risk donor hearts. Stable patients on durable LVADs may benefit from waiting for standard-risk donor hearts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of antidiabetes treatment in adjunct to insulin in type 1 diabetes. Methods: A systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was made from the beginning date to June 2018. Results: A total of 48 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with placebo, treatment with metformin, treatment with a-glucosidase inhibitor (AGI), treatment with GLP-1 receptor agonist, treatment with SGLT2 inhibitor, treatment with pramlintide all showed significant decrease in HbA1c from baseline (Table 1). Compared with placebo, treatment with metformin, treatment with GLP-1 receptor agonist, treatment with SGLT2 inhibitor, treatment with pramlintide all resulted in significant decrease in insulin dosage from baseline (Table 1). Conclusion: Compared with placebo, in type 1 diabetes patients, in adjunctive to insulin treatment, treatment with metformin, treatment with GLP-1 receptor agonist, treatment with SGLT2 inhibitor, treatment with pramlintide all resulted in significant decrease in HbA1c and insulin dosage from baseline. Disclosure: X. Cai: None. W. Yang: None. S. Zhang: None. L. Ji: Advisory Panel; Self; AstraZeneca. Consultant; Self; AstraZeneca, Bayer AG, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Eli Lilly and Company, Merck KGaA, Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Novartis AG, Novo Nordisk A/S, Roche Pharma, Sanofi, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. Research Support; Self; AstraZeneca, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Eli Lilly and Company, Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Novartis AG, Roche Pharma, Sanofi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To evaluate the efficacy of GLP-1 receptor agonist daily treatment or GLP-1 receptor weekly treatment in type 2 diabetes. Methods: A systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was made from the beginning date to December 2018. Results: A total of 111 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with placebo, treatment with GLP-1RA daily led to significant decrease in HbA1c from baseline (WMD, -0.78%, P<0.01), significant decrease in weight (WMD, -0.97kg, P<0.01), significant decrease in SBP (WMD, -2.41mmHg, P<0.01). Compared with placebo, treatment with GLP-1RA weekly resulted in significant decrease in HbA1c from baseline (WMD, -1.00%, P<0.01), significant decrease in weight (WMD, -1.33kg, P<0.01), significant decrease in SBP (WMD, -1.41mmHg, P<0.01) (Table 1). Conclusion: Compared with placebo, in type 2 diabetes patients, treatment with GLP-1 receptor agonist daily and weekly, both resulted in significant decrease in HbA1c, weight and SBP from baseline. Disclosure: X. Cai: None. W. Yang: None. S. Zhang: None. L. Ji: Advisory Panel; Self; AstraZeneca. Consultant; Self; AstraZeneca, Bayer AG, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Eli Lilly and Company, Merck KGaA, Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Novartis AG, Novo Nordisk A/S, Roche Pharma, Sanofi, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. Research Support; Self; AstraZeneca, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Eli Lilly and Company, Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Novartis AG, Roche Pharma, Sanofi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There were several case reports on the association between dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4is) and bullous pemphigoid (BP). The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the risk of BP and other skin-related adverse effects (AEs) in patients with type 2 diabetes receiving DPP-4i treatment in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methods: In this meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception to November 10, 2018. The study included RCTs assessing the effects of DPP-4is treatment compared with placebo in type 2 diabetic patients with reports of skin-related events. The odds ratio (OR) was calculated by Peto's methods. Results: 46 randomized placebo-controlled trials with reports of skin-related events were included (n = 59,332) in this meta-analysis. Compared with placebo, the risk of BP significantly increased in DPP-4i treatment (OR = 7.39, 95% CI 2.59-21.07, I2=0%, P = 0.0002) (Figure 1), and the overall risk of skin-related AEs also increased in DPP-4i treatment (OR = 1.31, 95% CI 1.08-1.59, I2=38%, P = 0.006) (Figure 2). Conclusions: This meta-analysis suggested that DPP-4i treatment was associated with a significant increase in the risks of BP and skin-related AEs. Disclosure: W. Yang: None. X. Cai: None. S. Zhang: None. X. Han: None. L. Ji: Advisory Panel; Self; AstraZeneca. Consultant; Self; AstraZeneca, Bayer AG, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Eli Lilly and Company, Merck KGaA, Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Novartis AG, Novo Nordisk A/S, Roche Pharma, Sanofi, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. Research Support; Self; AstraZeneca, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Eli Lilly and Company, Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Novartis AG, Roche Pharma, Sanofi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary aldosteronism (PA) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are both causes for resistant hypertension and contribute to adverse cardiovascular outcome. However, the association of these two disorders remains to be investigated. We conducted this meta-analysis to estimate the prevalence and metabolic characteristics of the coexistence of PA and OSA. The databases of MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Reviews were searched for studies investigating the prevalence or clinical characteristics of PA and OSA until Jan 2023. Single proportions of PA and OSA were meta-analyzed for pooled prevalence and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs were calculated for the comparison of the prevalence. Mean differences (MDs) and 95% CIs were calculated for comparisons of the characteristics between patients with both OSA and PA and control groups. A total of 16 studies were included. The pooled prevalence of PA was 27% (95% CI = 24–29%) in all patients with OSA (n = 3498). The prevalence of PA in patients with OSA was significantly higher than that in the patients without OSA (OR = 2.03, 95% CI = 1.30, 3.16, p = 0.002). The pooled prevalence (95% CI) of OSA was 46% (39–54%) in patients with PA (n = 2335). Compared with the hypertensive patients without PA, the prevalence of OSA in the patients with PA was significantly higher (OR = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.37, 2.95, p < 0.001). Compared with the patients of control groups, the patients with both PA and OSA had higher blood pressure and body mass index (BMI). Screening for the coexistence of PA and OSA was warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The placebo response in patients with diabetes mellitus is very common. A systematic evaluation needs to be updated with the current evidence about the placebo response in diabetes mellitus and the associated factors in clinical trials of anti-diabetic medicine.Methods: Literature research was conducted in Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov for studies published between the date of inception and June 2019. Randomized placebo-controlled trials conducted in type 1and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T1DM/T2DM) were included. Random-effects model and meta-regression analysis were accordingly used. This meta-analysis was registered in PROSPERO as CRD42014009373.Results: Significantly weight elevation (effect size (ES) = 0.33 kg, 95% CI, 0.03 to 0.61 kg) was observed in patients with placebo treatments in T1DM subgroup while significantly HbA1c reduction (ES = - 0.12%, 95% CI, - 0.16 to - 0.07%) and weight reduction (ES = - 0.40 kg, 95% CI, - 0.50 to - 0.29 kg) were observed in patients with placebo treatments in T2DM subgroup. Greater HbA1c reduction was observed in patients with injectable placebo treatments (ES = - 0.22%, 95% CI, - 0.32 to - 0.11%) versus oral types (ES = - 0.09%, 95% CI, - 0.14 to - 0.04%) in T2DM (P = 0.03). Older age (β = - 0.01, 95% CI, - 0.02 to - 0.01, P < 0.01) and longer diabetes duration (β = - 0.02, 95% CI, - 0.03 to - 0.21 × 10-2, P = 0.03) was significantly associated with more HbA1c reduction by placebo in T1DM. However, younger age (β = 0.02, 95% CI, 0.01 to 0.03, P = 0.01), lower male percentage (β = 0.01, 95% CI, 0.22 × 10-2, 0.01, P < 0.01), higher baseline BMI (β = - 0.02, 95% CI, - 0.04 to - 0.26 × 10-2, P = 0.02), and higher baseline HbA1c (β = - 0.09, 95% CI, - 0.16 to - 0.01, P = 0.02) were significantly associated with more HbA1c reduction by placebo in T2DM. Shorter diabetes duration (β = 0.06, 95% CI, 0.06 to 0.10, P < 0.01) was significantly associated with more weight reduction by placebo in T2DM. However, the associations between baseline BMI, baseline HbA1c, and placebo response were insignificant after the adjusted analyses.Conclusion: The placebo response in diabetes mellitus was systematically outlined. Age, sex, disease severity (indirectly reflected by baseline BMI and baseline HbA1c), and disease duration were associated with placebo response in diabetes mellitus. The association between baseline BMI, baseline HbA1c, and placebo response may be the result of regression to the mean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wolbachia is a maternally inherited intracellular bacterium (Rickettsiaceae) that infects a wide range of arthropods and nematodes, plays an influential role in host development and triggers various reproductive abnormalities. In this study it was investigated whether Wolbachia infection of the Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) species of Guizhou brown planthopper (BPH) induces cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) and alters BPH developmental timing, longevity, and fecundity. It was shown that although Wolbachia does not induce CI in the species of BPH, its absence decreases BPH fitness. Furthermore, the cross of a Wolbachia -free female BPH and an infected male (F▽ × M) resulted in a significantly shorter pre-adult developmental period (11.15 ± 0.22), significantly reduced ovi-days (5.80 ± 0.2438), significantly shorter longevity (22.9 ± 0.38), and lower fecundity (176.28 ± 5.79b). This cross also affected a series of population parameters by increasing the finite rate (λ) (1.2903 ± 0.02) and intrinsic rate value (r) (0.2548 ± 0.01), reducing the net reproductive rate (R 0) (88.12 ± 19.9) and decreasing longevity (22.9 ± 0.38). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of initial combination therapy compared with monotherapy in drug-naïve type 2 diabetes patients.Methods: MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for randomized clinical trials of initial combination therapy with hypoglycemic agents compared with monotherapy. Those which satisfied the search criteria were included in the meta-analysis. Weighted mean difference and relative risks were calculated.Results: A total of 36 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with metformin monotherapy, initial combination therapy with metformin plus another anti-diabetes drug exhibited significant reductions in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (p < 0.001). Most of the combination therapies had a similar risk of hypoglycemia (p > 0.05), with the exception of combinations of sulfonylurea/glinide and metformin or combinations of thiazolidinedione and metformin. Compared with dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor monotherapy, initial combination therapy with DPP-4 inhibitor plus another anti-diabetes drug showed a significant decrease in HbA1c (p < 0.001) and a similar risk of hypoglycemia (p > 0.05). Compared with monotherapy with other anti-diabetes drugs, initial combination therapies also resulted in significant HbA1c reductions, a similar risk of hypoglycemia and similar risks of other adverse events.Conclusion: Compared with monotherapy, all initial combination therapies resulted in significant HbA1c reductions. Compared with metformin monotherapy, initial combination therapies with DPP-4 inhibitors plus metformin, sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and metformin, respectively, were associated with similar risks of hypoglycemia, but initial combination therapies with sulfonylurea plus metformin, thiazolidinedione and metformin, respectively, were associated with higher risks of hypoglycemia.Funding: AstraZeneca Ltd. (China).Trial registration: Registration number CRD42017060717 in PROSPERO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As initial combination therapy of metformin and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, the efficacy and safety for the use of high dose of metformin or low dose of metformin and the efficacy and safety for the combination use for Asian and Caucasian patients were not clear.Methods: Double-blind randomized controlled trials comparing the efficacy of initial combination therapy of metformin and DPP-4 inhibitors with metformin monotherapy were included. The primary outcome was a result of comparisons between high-dose combination therapy and low-dose combination therapy in terms of efficacy and safety.Results: A total of 11 studies were included. The results indicated that the high-dose combination therapy showed significant decreases in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (-0.32%, P < 0.05), fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (-0.63 mmol/L, P < 0.05), and postprandial glucose (PPG) (-0.99 mmol/L, P < 0.05), but less increase in body weight (-0.54 kg, P < 0.05) when compared with low-dose combination therapy, corrected by metformin monotherapy. Moreover, the high-dose combination therapy exhibited significant decreases in HbA1c (-0.24%, P < 0.05), FPG (-0.54 mmol/L, P < 0.05), and PPG (-0.94 mmol/L, P < 0.05) in the Caucasian population than in the Asian population, corrected by metformin monotherapy.Conclusion: As an initial treatment, the high dose of metformin in combination with DPP-4 inhibitors not only provided better glycemic control but also had less effect on weight gain compared with the low-dose combination therapy through the correction of metformin monotherapy. Moreover, initial combination therapy in the Caucasian population showed better glycemic control and less increase in body weight compared with the Asian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoporosis and hyperlipidemia are closely correlated and statins might be associated with a decreased risk of fracture. We aimed to investigate the association between proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) therapy and the risk of fracture. The PubMed, Cochrane library, and EMBASE databases were systematically searched from the inception dates to October 22, 2022. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that addressed to fracture events of participants using alirocumab, evolocumab, bococizumab or inclisiran, with a follow-up of ≥ 24 weeks were included. Meta-analyses were conducted to calculate the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for major osteoporotic fracture, hip fracture, osteoporotic non-vertebral fracture, and total fracture. 30 trials assessing PCSK9i among 95, 911 adults were included. There were no significant associations between PCSK9i therapy and the risk of major osteoporotic fracture [OR 1.08 (95% Cl 0.87–1.34), p = 0.49], hip fracture [OR 1.05 (95% Cl 0.73–1.53), p = 0.79], osteoporotic non-vertebral fracture [OR 1.03 (95% Cl 0.80–1.32), p = 0.83], and total fracture [OR 1.03 (95% Cl 0.88–1.19), p = 0.74] over a period of 6–64 months. No significant associations were detected in any of the sensitivity analyses and subgroup analyses stratified by the type of PCSK9i, follow-up duration, age, sex, sample size, and patient profile. Pooled results of our meta-analysis showed that exposure to PCSK9i was not associated with reduced risks of fracture in the short term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glucokinase variant-induced maturity-onset diabetes of the young (GCK-MODY) exhibits the unique clinical features of mild fasting hyperglycemia. However, formal studies of its glucose excursion pattern in daily life in comparison with those with or without other types of diabetes are lacking. We conducted a case-control study including 25 patients with GCK-MODY, 25 A1C-matched, drug-naive patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and 25 age-, BMI-, and sex-matched subjects with normal glucose tolerance (NGT). All the subjects wore flash glucose monitoring (FGM) sensors for 2 weeks, and glucose readings were masked. Glucose excursion was significantly lower in the GCK-MODY than that in A1C-matched T2DM during the daytime, but was similar during the nighttime. The daytime coefficient of variation (CV) driven by postprandial glucose could separate GCK-MODY from well-controlled T2DM, but the nighttime CV could not. In discriminating between GCK-MODY and T2DM, the area under the curve of the CV was 0.875. However, in GCK-MODY and NGT subjects, the CVs were similar at 24 h, whereas the other four excursion parameters were significantly higher in GCK-MODY than those in NGT subjects. FGM confirmed the stability and mildness of hyperglycemia in GCK-MODY patients. Postprandial regulation is a key driver of the difference in excursion between GCK-MODY and T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aims/Introduction: To evaluate whether there is disparity of the efficacy and all‐cause mortality and other adverse effects between Asian and non‐Asian patients with sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors treatment. Materials and Methods: Randomized clinical trials publicly available before January 2017, comparing SGLT2 inhibitors treatment with a placebo in type 2 diabetes patients were identified. The association between treatment and outcomes was estimated by computing the weighted mean difference for glycated hemoglobin level, blood pressure level, lipid profile levels and bodyweight, and the odds ratios for adverse events. Results: A total of 17 trials with Asian patients were included and 39 trials with non‐Asian patients were included. Comparison of the glycated hemoglobin decreases corrected by a placebo between Asian and non‐Asian patients showed that there was a non‐significant difference of 0.05% between groups (P > 0.05). Comparisons of the bodyweight changes and blood pressure changes corrected by a placebo between Asian and non‐Asian patients did not show a significant difference between groups (P > 0.05). The risk of all‐cause mortality was not increased when compared with a placebo both in Asian and non‐Asian populations, and the risk of genital infection in Asian and non‐Asian populations were both significant increased. Conclusions: Overall, according to the present meta‐analysis, comparison of the efficacy in SGLT2 inhibitors treatment between Asian and non‐Asian type 2 diabetes patients showed no significant difference in glycated hemoglobin reduction and bodyweight reduction. Furthermore, no disparity was found in the risk of all‐cause mortality or hypoglycemia in SGLT2 inhibitors treatment between Asian and non‐Asian patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aims/Introduction: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of alpha‐glucosidase inhibitors (AGI) in Asian and non‐Asian type 2 diabetes patients. Materials and Methods: Studies were identified through a literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and other databases until December 2016. All statistical analyses were carried out in Review Manager statistical software by computing the weighted mean difference or odds ratio and 95% confidence interval. Results: A total of 67 studies were included. AGI vs placebo: compared with the placebo, AGI treatment led to a greater decrease in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose and postprandial plasma glucose. No significant difference was observed in HbA1c change, fasting plasma glucose change, postprandial plasma glucose change or incidence of hypoglycemia between Asian and non‐Asian patients. AGI vs active controls: in Asian patients, AGI treatment showed a lower reduction in HbA1c compared with dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors and sulfonylurea. In non‐Asian patients, AGI treatment showed a lower reduction in HbA1c compared with thiazolidinedione. No significant difference was observed in HbA1c change and bodyweight change when comparing AGI with other oral hypoglycemic agents between Asian and non‐Asian patients. Conclusions: The effects of AGI treatment on glycemic control and bodyweight reduction were superior to the placebo without an increased incidence of hypoglycemia, but with an increased incidence of gastrointestinal discomforts. The hypoglycemic effects of AGI were comparable between Asian and non‐Asian patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The growth of rice is reduced by the slow decomposition of accumulated straw, which competes with rice for soil nitrogen nutrient. In recent year, straw-decomposing inoculants (SDIs) that can accelerate straw decomposition and ammonium nitrogen (N) fertilizer that can quickly generate available N is increasingly adopted in China. However, it is still unknown whether the N demand of straw decomposition and crop growth can be simultaneously met through the co-application of SDIs and ammonium N fertilizer. Results: In this study, we investigated the effect of the co-application of SDIs and ammonium bicarbonate on decomposition rate of wheat straw, rice growth and rice yield over two consecutive years in rice-wheat rotation system. Compound fertilizer (A0) was used as control. The ratios of ammonium bicarbonate addition were 20% (A2), 30% (A3) and 40% (A4), respectively, without SDIs or with SDIs (IA2, IA3, IA4). Our results revealed that without SDIs, compared with A0, straw decomposition rate, rice growth and yield were improved under A2; However, under A3, rice yield was decreased due to the slow decomposition rate of straw and limited growth of rice during late growth stage. Combining SDIs and N fertilizer increased straw decomposition rate, rice growth rate and yield more than that of N fertilizer alone, especially under IA3. Compared with A0, straw decomposition rate, tiller number, aboveground biomass, leaf area index, root length, and nitrogen use efficiency were significantly increased by 16%, 8%, 27%, 12%, 17%, and 15% under IA3. Consequently, the average rice yield of IA3 was increased to 10,856 kg/ha, which was 13% and 9% higher, respectively, than of A0 and A2. Conclusion: Our results indicated that ammonium bicarbonate application alone carried a risk of nutrient deficiency during late growth stage and yield decline. Therefore, the co-application of SDIs and 30% ammonium N fertilizer substitution can be a favorable practice to simultaneously accelerate straw decomposition and increase rice crop growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To assess the population attributable fractions (PAFs) for modifiable risk factors for microvascular complications of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in China. Materials and Methods: Data collected from the China National HbA1c Surveillance System from 2009 to 2013 were used. The PAFs of four predefined risk factors, including an HbA1c of 7% or higher, blood pressure (BP) of 130/80 mmHg or higher, low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (LDL‐C) of 1.8 mmol/L or higher and body mass index (BMI) of 24 kg/m2 or higher, were calculated for diabetic microvascular complications, including diabetic retinopathy (DR), diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and distal symmetric polyneuropathy (DSPN). PAFs were further adjusted for age, sex and duration of diabetes. Results: In total, there were 998 379 participants with T2D from nationwide mainland China included in this analysis. As for DR, an HbA1c of 7% or higher, BP of 130/80 mmHg or higher, LDL‐C of 1.8 mmol/L or higher and BMI of 24 kg/m2 or higher conferred PAFs of 16.2%, 15.2%, 5.8% and 2.8%, respectively. In the case of DKD, BP of 130/80 mmHg or higher provided a PAF of 25.2%, followed by an HbA1c of 7% or higher (13.9%), BMI of 24 kg/m2 or higher (8.0%) and LDL‐C of 1.8 mmol/L or higher (5.6%). As for DSPN, an HbA1c of 7% or higher, BP of 130/80 mmHg or higher, LDL‐C of 1.8 mmol/L or higher and BMI of 24 kg/m2 or higher contributed to PAFs of 14.2%, 11.7%, 5.9% and 5.8%, respectively. PAFs for diabetic microvascular complications were mildly to moderately reduced after adjusting for participants' age, sex and duration of diabetes. Conclusions: Suboptimal glycaemic and BP control were the main contributors to diabetic microvascular complications, while the PAFs of unmet LDL‐C and BMI control targets were quite limited for diabetic microvascular complications. In addition to glycaemic control, BP control should be especially prioritized in the management of diabetic microvascular complications to further reduce the disease burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Disparities were found in the cardiorenal outcomes among different GLP-1RAs. • GLP-1RAs with high concentration was associated with less cardiorenal events. • Long acting GLP-1RAs was associated more improved cardiovascular outcomes. • The molecular weight of GLP-1RAs did not influence the cardiorenal outcomes. Disparities were found in the cardiovascular and renal outcomes among different glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) subtypes. However, whether the characteristics of GLP-1RA itself are associated with these disparities remains unclear. To assess the association between the steady-state concentration, duration of action, or molecular weight of GLP-1RA and the risks of cardiovascular and renal outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane and Clinicaltrial.gov from inception to April 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating GLP-1RAs in patients with T2D were included. Literature screening and data extraction were performed independently by 2 researchers. The outcomes were computed as odds ratio (OR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI). Subgroup analyses were conducted according to steady-state concentration, duration of action and molecular weight of GLP-1RAs. Primary outcomes were major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), composite renal outcome and all-cause mortality. In all, 61 RCTs were included. When compared with non-GLP-1RA agents, GLP-1RAs with high steady-state concentration were associated with greater risk reduction in MACE (p for subgroup difference = 0.01) and the composite renal outcome (p for subgroup difference = 0.008) in patients with T2D. Greater risk reductions in MACE between GLP-1RA users versus non-GLP-RA users were observed in long acting stratum when compared with short acting stratum (p for subgroup difference = 0.04) in patients with T2D. The molecular weight of GLP-1RAs was not associated with the risk of cardiovascular and renal outcomes. GLP-1RAs with high steady-state concentrations might be associated with greater risk reductions in cardiovascular and renal outcomes in patients with T2D. Long acting GLP-1RAs might outperform short acting ones in reducing the risk of cardiovascular outcomes. These findings provided new insights for guiding the clinical applications of GLP-1RAs in patients with T2D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To elucidate the association between baseline renal characteristics and the disparities in renal outcomes among patients with SGLT2i treatment. Methods: Pubmed, Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Clinicaltrial.gov were searched from inception to November 2022. Event-driven randomized controlled trials of SGLT2i with reports of renal outcomes were included. Sensitivity analyses of prespecified eGFR and UACR subgroups were conducted. Results: Generally, compared with placebo, the use of SGLT2i was associated with improved renal prognosis (HR = 0.64, 95%CI 0.59–0.70). The magnitude of risk reductions in composite renal outcomes between SGLT2i versus placebo was comparable among different eGFR stratifications (normal renal function: HR = 0.49, 95%CI 0.31–0.79; mild renal impairment: HR = 0.57, 95%CI 0.48–0.68; moderate renal impairment: HR = 0.70, 95%CI 0.63–0.78; severe renal impairment: HR = 0.72, 95%CI 0.62–0.84; P for subgroup difference = 0.09). However, renal benefits seemd to be more prominent in normal to mildly increased albuminuria stratum (HR = 0.51, 95%CI 0.39–0.66) and severely increased albuminuria stratum (HR = 0.57, 95%CI 0.47–0.68), when compared with moderately increased albuminuria stratum (HR = 0.79, 95%CI 0.65–0.96; P for subgroup difference = 0.01). Conclusions: Generally, the use of SGLT2i was consistently associated with decreased risk of renal events in all prespecified eGFR and albuminuria spectrums, even in patients with substantial renal impairment. The renal benefits of SGLT2i seemed to be independent of baseline eGFR, while the risk reduction in renal events was more profound among patients with mildly increased albuminuria or severely increased albuminuria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the comprehensive clinical efficacy of dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-4) inhibitors in Chinese type 2 diabetes patients and to evaluate whether there is a different response to treatment with different kinds of DPP-4 inhibitors in those patients.Methods: Databases were systematically searched, and qualifying clinical studies of Chinese type 2 diabetes patients were included.Results: A total of 30 studies were included. Treatment with saxagliptin resulted in a significantly greater change from baseline in HbA1c levels (weighted mean difference [WMD], -1.28%; 95% CI, -1.37% to -1.19%); treatment with sitagliptin led to a significantly greater change from baseline (WMD, -1.17%; 95% CI, -1.46% to -0.89%); treatment with vildagliptin was associated with a significantly greater change in HbA1c levels (WMD, -0.77%; 95% CI, -0.88% to -0.65%); treatment with linagliptin led to a significantly greater change (WMD, -0.84%; 95% CI, -0.92% to -0.75%); and treatment with alogliptin also led to a significantly greater change (WMD, -0.91%; 95% CI, -1.48% to -0.33%). In terms of body weight, treatment with saxagliptin was associated with no significant decreases in Chinese type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients (WMD, -0.17 kg, 95% CI, -4.26 to 3.92 kg). Treatment with sitagliptin and linagliptin was also associated with no significant changes in body weight (WMD, 0.16 and 0.11 kg, respectively, P > 0.05).Conclusions: In Chinese type 2 diabetes patients, the efficacy of glucose control in all five kinds of DPP-4 inhibitor treatments was well confirmed, and no significant change in body weight was found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identification of potential drug–target interactions (DTIs) plays a pivotal role in the development of drug and target discovery in the public healthcare sector. However, biological experiments for predicting interactions between drugs and targets are still expensive, complicated, and time-consuming. Thus, computational methods are widely applied for aiding drug–target interaction prediction. In this paper, we propose a novel model, named GCMCDTI, for DTIs prediction which adopts a graph convolutional network based on matrix completion. We regard the association prediction between drugs and targets as link prediction and treat the process as matrix completion, and then a graph convolutional auto-encoder framework is employed to construct the drug and target embeddings. Then, a bilinear decoder is applied to reconstruct the DTI matrix. We conduct our experiments on four benchmark datasets consisting of enzymes, G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), ion channels, and nuclear receptors. The five-fold cross-validation results achieve the high average AUC values of 95.78%, 95.31%, 93.90%, and 91.77%, respectively. To further evaluate our method, we compare our proposed method with other state-of-the-art approaches. The comparison results illustrate that our proposed method obtains improvement in performance on DTI prediction. The proposed method will be a good choice in the field of DTI prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whether colchicine reduces the levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) remains uncertain. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to evaluate the overall effect of colchicine treatment on hs-CRP and IL-6 levels in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). PubMed/Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for studies published before October 2021. Clinical trials in patients with CAD with reports of hs-CRP and IL-6 level changes before and after colchicine intervention were included. In total, 11 trials on hs-CRP and two trials on IL-6 were included in this meta-analysis. Compared with that in the control group, colchicine treatment was significantly associated with decreased hs-CRP levels (weighted mean differences [WMDs], −0.81 mg/L; 95% confidence interval [CI], −1.34 to −0.28 mg/L; P = 0.003) in patients with CAD. Besides, the levels of IL-6 were significantly reduced in colchicine users compared to that of placebo (WMD, −1.28 pg/mL; 95% CI, −2.35 to −0.21 pg/mL; P = 0.02). In a subgroup analysis, colchicine led to a significant reduction in hs-CRP levels in studies with duration of intervention >7 days (WMD, −0.65 mg/L; 95% CI, −1.08 to −0.21 mg/L; P = 0.004) and studies with baseline hs-CRP levels ≥3.0 mg/L (WMD, −0.99 mg/L; 95% CI, −1.92 to −0.06 mg/L; P = 0.04). Colchicine intervention was associated with a reduction in hs-CRP and IL-6 levels in patients with CAD. Future investigations are required to verify the effect of colchicine on inflammatory markers and clarify the potential mechanisms of the cross talk between colchicine, inflammation, and cardiovascular outcomes. • Comparing with that in the control group, colchicine intervention was associated with a reduction in hs-CRP and IL-6 levels in patients with coronary artery disease. • The administration of 1 mg colchicine daily could lead to a more substantial reduction in hs-CRP levels than that of a 0.5 mg daily dose. • Patients with the following characteristics had a trend of benefiting from colchicine: ACS, duration >7 days, and baseline hs-CRP level ≥3.0 mg/L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Hydroxyapatite-doped mesoporous silica nanoparticles loading two drugs were prepared. • CL@M/H-HA has acid-responsive release and tumor-targeting properties. • CTX and LY294002 have a synergistic effect on MDA-MB-231 cells. • CL@M/H-HA can effectively induce apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells. Hyaluronic acid-modified hydroxyapatite-doped mesoporous silica nanoparticle delivery system (CL@M/H-HA) co-delivering the chemotherapeutic agent cabazitaxel (CTX) and the targeted drug PI3K inhibitor LY294002, was constructed for the combination therapy of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). CTX and LY294002 had a synergistic effect on MDA-MB-231 cells and the two drugs could be released proportionally and synchronously from the CL@M/H-HA nanoparticles. The hydroxyapatite doped in CL@M/H-HA enabled the drug-carrying system to have a pH-responsive release property. In vitro cellular uptake experiments demonstrated that hyaluronic acid modified on the surface of nanoparticles favored the high uptake efficiency of nanoparticles by tumor cells MDA-MB-231, and nanoparticles co-loaded with CTX and LY294002 could induce more apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 cells. The fabricated dual-loaded targeted nanoparticles could improve the TNBC therapeutic efficacy, providing a promising combination therapy for TNBC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are multiple disease-modifying immunotherapies showing the potential of preventing or delaying the progression of type 1 diabetes (T1D). We designed and performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to gain an overview of what a role immunotherapy plays in the treatment of T1D. We searched PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) from inception to December 2023. We included clinical trials of immunotherapy conducted in patients with T1D that reported the incidence of hypoglycemia or changes from baseline in at least one of following outcomes: 2 h and 4 h mixed-meal-stimulated C-peptide area under the curve (AUC), fasting C-peptide, daily insulin dosage, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG). The results were computed as the weighted mean differences (WMDs) or odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in random-effect model. In all, 34 clinical trials were included. When compared with control groups, 2 h C-peptide AUC was marginally higher in patient treated with nonantigen-based immunotherapies (WMD, 0.04nmol/L, 95% CI, 0.00–0.09 nmol/L, P=0.05), which was mainly driven by the effects of T cell-targeted therapy. A greater preservation in 4 h C-peptide AUC was observed in patients with nonantigen-based immunotherapies (WMD, 0.10nmol/L, 95% CI, 0.04–0.16 nmol/L, P=0.0007), which was mainly driven by the effects of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) inhibitor and T cell-targeted therapy. After excluding small-sample trials, less daily insulin dosage was observed in patient treated with nonantigen-based immunotherapies when compared with control groups (WMD, −0.07units/kg/day, 95% CI, −0.11 to −0.03units/kg/day, P=0.0004). The use of antigen-based immunotherapies was also associated with a lower daily insulin dosage versus control groups (WMD, −0.11units/kg/day, 95% CI, −0.23 to −0.00units/kg/day, P=0.05). However, changes of HbA1c or FPG were comparable between nonantigen-based immunotherapies or antigen-based immunotherapies and control groups. The risk of hypoglycemia was not increased in patients treated with nonantigen-based immunotherapies or patients treated with antigen-based immunotherapies when compared with control groups. In conclusion, nonantigen-based immunotherapies were associated with a preservation of 2 h and 4 h C-peptide AUC in patients with T1D when compared with the controls, which was mainly driven by the effects of TNF-a inhibitor and T cell-targeted therapy. Both nonantigen-based immunotherapies and antigen-based immunotherapies tended to reduce the daily insulin dosage in patients with T1D when compared with the controls. However, they did not contribute to a substantial improvement in HbA1c or FPG. Both nonantigen-based immunotherapies and antigen-based immunotherapies were well tolerated with not increased risk of hypoglycemia in patients with T1D. [Display omitted] • Immunotherapies were associated with the preservation of 2 h and 4 h C-peptide AUC in patients with T1D. • Immunotherapies tended to reduce the daily insulin dosage in patients with T1D. • Immunotherapies did not increase the risk of hypoglycemia in patients with T1D. • TNF-a inhibitor and T cell-targeted immunotherapy might be promising game changers to delay the development of T1D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive ants threaten China's ecosystems and agriculture. Our review highlights the challenges faced and diverse strategies employed to combat these invaders, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation for safeguarding the environment and public well-being. [Display omitted] • Ecological & Economic Challenges of Exotic Ant Invasion in China. • In-Depth Analysis of China's Struggle with Exotic Ants. • Factors Behind Introduction & Establishment of Exotic Ants. • National Responses: Capacity Building, Research, Legislation. • Addressing Limitations, Enhancing Ant Invasion Strategies. The invasion of exotic ant species in China presents significant challenges to ecosystems, agriculture, and the economy. This paper provides an in-depth analysis of China's ongoing battle with exotic ants, examining the factors contributing to their introduction and establishment. It explores the responses implemented by the decision makers, including capacity building, establishment of research institutions, and legislative measures. Limitations and gaps in the current strategies are identified, highlighting the need for regional collaboration, increased awareness, and strengthened early detection and response systems. Furthermore, the paper emphasizes the importance of conducting research to understand various exotic ant species' ecological and economic impacts, facilitating the development of targeted and effective management approaches. By adopting a comprehensive and coordinated approach, China can mitigate the impacts of ant invasions and safeguard its biodiversity, agriculture, and economy. This analysis underscores the significance of collective efforts in addressing the ongoing battle with exotic ants and preserving the well-being of ecosystems, economies, and the society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Sr x Ba 1-x TiO 3 solid solution was synthesized with a facile method. • Sr x Ba 1-x TiO 3 improved degradation efficiency and stable mineralization capacity. • The identified Ba active sites promoted the activation of adsorbed molecules. • Ba active sites advanced the selectivity of key intermediate. • The mechanism of photocatalytic toluene degradation was revealed. The establishment of active sites can obviously promote photocatalytic efficiency, but its role in activation mechanism and generation of key reaction intermediates during toluene mineralization remains unsolved. We reveal that the benzene ring opening is the rate-limiting step of mineralization reaction, and the inert C C bond in the ring is the crucial reason for the shortage mineralization of previous catalysts. In this work, the Sr 1-x Ba x TiO 3 solid solution was prepared as a model photocatalysts to reveal the mechanism of photocatalytic toluene degradation. The electronic local center was constructed at the substituted Ba sites, which intensified the charge transfer between catalyst surface and adsorbed molecules. The strong oxidative species generated by enhanced activation further facilitated the conversion of toluene to generate benzoic acid as the key reaction intermediate before ring-opening. Through the combined theoretical calculation and in situ characterization methods, it was revealed that efficient degradation and stable mineralization of toluene in photocatalysis can be achieved by activating toluene and promoting the formation of key reaction intermediates. This study could advance a new viewpoint for safe and efficient photocatalytic air purification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SrSn(OH) 6 (SSOH) possesses a high oxidation potential in the valence band (VB), which is suitable for photocatalytic oxidation removal of pollutants. However, the electrons in the VB of these catalysts are difficult to transition to the conduction band (CB) under visible light, which makes it difficult to utilize sunlight effectively. In this work, Ag/Ag 2 O is loaded on the surface of SSOH nanowires, which stimulates the interfacial charge-transfer transition on SSOH. Compared with pure-phase SSOH, the NO abatement ratio of Ag/Ag 2 O-SSOH under visible light irradiation is increased to 45.10%. The e− in the VB of Ag 2 O are excited into the CB under visible light, and are further transferred to the Ag to react with O 2 to produce superoxide radicals. The photo-excited e− in the VB of SSOH enter into the VB of Ag 2 O through interfacial charge-transfer transition to recombine with the photo-generated holes in the VB of Ag 2 O, thereby leaving photo-generated holes in the VB of SSOH. The holes in the VB of SSOH have sufficient oxidizing ability to oxidize the adsorbed hydroxyl groups into hydroxyl radicals. This work provides a new perspective for photocatalytic removal of pollutants by wide band gap photocatalyst under visible light. [Display omitted] • Ag/Ag 2 O cocatalyst/SrSn(OH)6 nanowires are firstly fabricated. • The Ag/Ag 2 O cocatalyst/SrSn(OH) 6 showed high visible light photocatalytic activity. • The mechanism of photocatalytic NO oxidation is revealed using in situ DRIFTS. • The enhanced photocatalysis is ascribed to the interfacial charge-transfer transition. • The detailed process of the interfacial charge-transfer transition is revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]