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Bone homeostasis encompasses two interrelated aspects: bone remodeling and cartilage metabolism. Disruption of bone homeostasis can lead to the development of metabolic bone diseases such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. The maintenance of bone homeostasis is a complex process that does not solely rely on the functions of the bone tissue itself. In fact, bone tissue is not an isolated entity; it is closely connected to other tissues in the body via exosomes. Within this interconnectivity, exosomes derived from both bone and non-bone cells interfere with each other, forming a complex regulatory network. Therefore, with cell origin as the guiding principle, we have delineated the bone regulatory network of exosomes, elaborated on the specific roles and regulatory mechanisms of exosomes derived from common cell types (cells within the skeletal microenvironment, stem cells from extra-osseous tissues, vascular-derived cells, muscle-derived cells, and neurogenic cells) in bone formation, bone resorption, and cartilage metabolism. We have also discussed the challenges faced in the field of exosome research related to bone homeostasis, unveiled the critical role of exosomes in maintaining bone homeostasis, and proposed that exosomes could serve as highly valuable therapeutic targets for metabolic bone diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The excessive accumulation of nitrogen pollutants (mainly nitrate, nitrite, ammonia nitrogen, hydrazine, and urea) in water bodies seriously disrupts the natural nitrogen cycle and poses a significant threat to human life and health. Electrolysis is considered a promising method to degrade these nitrogenous pollutants in sewage, with the advantages of high efficiency, wide generality, easy operability, retrievability, and environmental friendliness. For particular energy devices, including metal-nitrate batteries, direct fuel cells, and hybrid water electrolyzers, the realization of energy valorization from sewage purification processes (e.g., valuable chemical generation, electricity output, and hydrogen production) becomes feasible. Despite the progress in the research on pollutant electrodegradation, the development of electrocatalysts with high activity, stability, and selectivity for pollutant removal, coupled with corresponding energy devices, remains a challenge. This review comprehensively provides advanced insights into the electrodegradation processes of nitrogenous pollutants and relevant energy valorization strategies, focusing on the reaction mechanisms, activity descriptors, electrocatalyst design, and actuated electrodes and operation parameters of tailored energy conversion devices. A feasibility analysis of electrodegradation on real wastewater samples from the perspective of pollutant concentration, pollutant accumulation, and electrolyte effects is provided. Challenges and prospects for the future development of electrodegradation systems are also discussed in detail to bridge the gap between experimental trials and commercial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In contrast to the thermodynamically unfavorable anodic oxygen evolution reaction, the electrocatalytic urea oxidation reaction (UOR) presents a more favorable thermodynamic potential. However, the practical application of UOR has been hindered by sluggish kinetics. In this study, hierarchical porous nanosheet arrays featuring abundant Ni‐WO3 heterointerfaces on nickel foam (Ni‐WO3/NF) is introduced as a monolith electrode, demonstrating exceptional activity and stability toward UOR. The Ni‐WO3/NF catalyst exhibits unprecedentedly rapid UOR kinetics (200 mA cm−2 at 1.384 V vs. RHE) and a high turnover frequency (0.456 s−1), surpassing most previously reported Ni‐based catalysts, with negligible activity decay observed during a durability test lasting 150 h. Ex situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations elucidate that the WO3 interface significantly modulates the local charge distribution of Ni species, facilitating the generation of Ni3+ with optimal affinity for interacting with urea molecules and CO2 intermediates at heterointerfaces during UOR. This mechanism accelerates the interfacial electrocatalytic kinetics. Additionally, in situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy provides deep insights into the substantial contribution of interfacial Ni‐WO3 sites to UOR electrocatalysis, unraveling the underlying molecular‐level mechanisms. Finally, the study explores the application of a direct urea fuel cell to inspire future practical implementations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utilization of hydrazine in aiding water electrolysis presents a promising avenue for achieving highly efficient hydrogen production through energy conversion. Herein, bifunctional electrocatalyst of urchin‐like iron, nickle‐codoped cobalt phosphide supported on Ni foam (FeNi‐CoP/NF) is reported. Benefitting from the combined electronic structure and lattice strain engineering by Fe and Ni‐ codoping, the hydrazine‐assisted seawater electrolysis assembled with FeNi‐CoP/NF as both electrodes can achieve an industrial‐level current density of 1.5 A cm−2 at a record‐setting voltage of 163 mV at 70 °C and sustain stable operation for hundreds of hours in seawater environment. The existence of a potential coincidence region lends credibility to the feasibility of implementing self‐activated hydrazine‐assisted seawater electrolysis. Based on theoretical calculations, the separate and synergistic effects of electronic structure and lattice strain engineering are investigated and an integrated illustration of these two strategies on enhancing hydrogen evolution and hydrazine oxidation activity is provided. Moreover, an innovative multi‐powered hydrogen generation system featuring a direct hydrazine fuel cell, rechargeable Zn‐hydrazine battery, and hydrazine‐assisted seawater electrolysis is proposed, underscoring the unique advantages of hydrazine oxidation reaction and its prospective contribution to electrochemical energy conversion technologies powered by sustainable sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we synthesized a type of three-dimensional (3D) carbon nanostructure through the plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition method, which was composed of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene nanoflakes (GNFs) embedded on the surface of CNTs. The CNTs have a typical hollow structure with an inner diameter of 15 nm, and the CNT@GNF were grown on vermiculite supported with an Fe–Mo catalyst. The diameter of CNTs and the amount of GNFs on the CNT surface can be controlled by adjusting the reaction time, radio frequency (RF) power, and growth temperature. The continuous bombardment of plasma results in a large number of defects on the surface of the CNTs. It was further confirmed that the radio frequency (RF) power played a key role on the generation of GNFs by providing sufficient carbon sources and creating defects as the active sites on surface of the CNTs. Moreover, small amounts (1.2%) of synthesized CNT@GNF material after purification were employed as an efficient conductive agent for the cathode with high contents of LiFePO4 (LFP) up to 95.8%. As a result, the CNT@GNF-based LFP electrode showed a superior electrochemical performance. After 450 cycles at a current density of 0.5 C, the battery exhibited a specific capacity of 100 mAh g–1, corresponding to a capacity retention rate of 87%. Additionally, a discharge capacity of 61 mAh g–1 can still be achieved at 10 C. The largely improved electrochemical performance should be ascribed to the well-established conductive networks by the CNT@GNF material in the electrode. Overall, we synthesized nanocarbons with a unique structure in a facile way, which is promising for the application in lithium-ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, PMMA/SiO2 composites were fabricated with monodispersed SiO2 and PMMA using four distinct methods—physical blending, in situ polymerization, random copolymerization, and block copolymerization—to investigate the composites' thermal, mechanical, and optical properties. In the physical blending approach, SiO2 nanoparticles were dispersed in a PMMA solution, while during in situ polymerization, silica nanoparticles were incorporated during the synthesis of PMMA/SiO2 composites. 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPS) was modified on the SiO2 surface to introduce the reactive double bonds. The MPS@SiO2 was either random- or block-copolymerized with PMMA through RAFT polymerization. The PMMA/SiO2 composites prepared via these different methods were characterized using FTIR, TGA, and DSC to determine their chemical structures, thermal degradation temperatures, and glass transition temperatures, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to observe the microstructures and dispersion of the composites. This comprehensive analysis revealed that the PMMA/SiO2 composites prepared via block copolymerization exhibited thermal stability at temperatures between 200 and 300 °C. Additionally, they demonstrated excellent transparency (86%) and scratch resistance (≥6H) while maintaining mechanical strength, suggesting their potential application in thermal insulation materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melatonin (MT) has been implicated in the plant response to phosphorus (P) stress; however, the precise molecular mechanisms involved remain unclear. This study investigated whether MT controls internal P distribution and root cell wall P remobilization in rice. Rice was treated with varying MT and P levels and analyzed using biochemical and molecular techniques to study phosphorus utilization. The results demonstrated that low P levels lead to a rapid increase in endogenous MT levels in rice roots. Furthermore, the exogenous application of MT significantly improved rice tolerance to P deficiency, as evidenced by the increased biomass and reduced proportion of roots to shoots under P‐deficient conditions. MT application also mitigated the decrease in P content regardless in both the roots and shoots. Mechanistically, MT accelerated the reutilization of P, particularly in the root pectin fraction, leading to increased soluble P liberation. In addition, MT enhanced the expression of OsPT8, a gene involved in root‐to‐shoot P translocation. Furthermore, we observed that MT induced the production of nitric oxide (NO) in P‐deficient rice roots and that the mitigating effect of MT on P deficiency was compromised in the presence of the NO inhibitor, c‐PTIO, implying that NO is involved in the MT‐facilitated mitigation of P deficiency in rice. Overall, our findings highlight the potential of MT as a promising strategy for enhancing rice tolerance to P deficiency and improving P use efficiency in agricultural practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurosyphilis is a central nervous system infection caused by Treponema pallidum that imitates various neurological and mental disorders. Therefore, patients with this disease are prone to misdiagnoses. Here, we report a case of neurosyphilis with a psychotic disorder as the main manifestation. A young girl exhibited mental and behavioural abnormalities after a heartbreak, which manifested as alternating low mood, emotional irritability, and a lack of interest in social relations, followed by memory loss. The cerebrospinal fluid protein - Treponema pallidum particle agglutination test was positive, the toluidine red unheated serum test titre was 1:4, the white blood cell count was 5 × 10^6/L, the cerebrospinal fluid protein level was 0.97 g/L, and the brain CT was abnormal. After admission, the possibility of neurosyphilis was considered and the patient received intravenous penicillin G treatment. The patient's clinical symptom ms improved. This case emphasises that doctors should maintain clinical suspicion of Treponema pallidum infection in adolescent patients with mental abnormalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the dynamic changes in hippocampal metabolism after microwave radiation using liquid chromatography in tandem with mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) and to identify potential biomarkers. Wistar rats were randomly assigned to a sham group and a microwave radiation group. The rats in the microwave radiation group were exposed to 2.856 GHz for 15 min for three times, with 5 min intervals. The rats in the sham group were not exposed. Transmission electron microscope revealed blurring of the synaptic cleft and postsynaptic dense thickening in hippocampal neurons after microwave radiation. Metabolomic analysis revealed 38, 24, and 39 differentially abundant metabolites at 3, 7, and 14 days after radiation, respectively, and the abundance of 9 metabolites, such as argininosuccinic acid, was continuously decreased. After microwave radiation, the abundance of metabolites such as argininosuccinic acid was successively decreased, indicating that these metabolites could be potential biomarkers for hippocampal tissue injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although carbon dots (CDs) have been widely investigated as the fluorescence material, research on room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) CDs is still limited. In this work, diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) was employed as the raw material to synthesize carbon quantum dots (denoted as CQDs-1) by a hydrothermal method. The resulting CQDs-1 inherited CO groups and N atoms from DTPA, which promoted the formation of triplet excitons under light excitation. On this basis, the CQDs-1 were dispersed in a poly-(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) matrix to prepare CQDs-1-PVA composites that exhibited an optimal emission peak at ∼466 nm and emitted the visible afterglow lasting for 8 s. Moreover, tartaric acid (TA) was combined with DTPA as the raw material to synthesize CQDs-2, which induced the formation of π–π conjugated areas in CQDs. As a result, the emission wavelength was slightly red-shifted, and the duration time of afterglow of the CQDs-2-PVA composite was increased to 9 s. Due to the ultralong-lifetime RTP properties of the CQDs-based composites, their applications in the fields of information encryption and anticounterfeiting have also been investigated. Overall, our work offered a convenient avenue for the synthesis of high-quality RTP CQDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the IEEE 802.16e standard's (672,336) LDPC code and the normalized Min-Sum decoding algorithm, this paper designs and implements an LDPC decoder that optimizes the channel information. The correction factor for check nodes is converted into a correction factor for the initial channel information, replacing the optimization of check node information with that of initial channel information. This achieves decoding performance equivalent to the traditional normalized Min-Sum decoding algorithm. Different correction factor values vary in complexity during FPGA implementation, as they involve different amounts of shift-add operations. For NMS decoding requiring a high number of shift-add operations to achieve optimal correction values, this can be converted into an LDPC decoding algorithm optimized for channel information, reducing computational overhead without sacrificing performance. A partially parallel improved decoder was designed and implemented on an FPGA, and its feasibility was verified using the Vivado simulation platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To analyse the trend of COPD patients' inpatient costs and its influencing factors in the context of the reform of DRG, and to provide reference for the reasonable control of COPD inpatient costs. Methods ITSA were used to analyse the trend of COPD patients' inpatient costs in a tertiary general hospital from 2018 to 2022, and univariate analysis, stepwise regression analysis and RFM were used to analyse the factors influencing the inpatient costs and the degree of significance of COPD patients' inpatient costs after the official operation of the DRG. Results The results of ITSA showed that the overall inpatient costs of COPD patients decreased significantly and by an average of 1.82% per month during the DRG operation stage; the integrated medical service fee, drug fee, and consumable fee all showed a decreasing trend during the DRG operation stage, by an average of 1.06%, 1.67%, and 4. 98% per month, respectively, but the proportion of the integrated medical service fee increased compared with that before the DRG reform by 7.18%; The stepwise regression results showed that the number of hospital days (β = 0.584), admission status (β = 0.294), whether surgery (β = 0.125), whether traditional Chinese medicine (β = 0.084), and drug share ratio (β = 0.099) had a statistically significant impact on COPD hospitalisation costs (P < 0.05); and the results of the Random Forest model analysis showed that hospital days, admission status, drug share ratio were the most important factors influencing COPD hospitalisation costs, status, and medication ratio were the key factors affecting COPD hospitalisation costs. Conclusion DRG can effectively promote medical institutions to strengthen cost management and reduce the economic burden of disease. Hospitals should further reduce the cost of COPD and the economic burden of patients by reducing the number of inpatient days, strengthening the management of critically ill patients, and promoting the rational use of drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, copper/tungsten (Cu/W) and copper/chromium (Cu/Cr) multilayers were created by stacking bilayer films in a 3:1 ratio, with layer thicknesses ranging from 400 to 800 nm, deposited on Si (100) substrates using high power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS). The microstructural and surface properties of these films were examined through x-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Electrical properties were assessed using a four-point probe, while mechanical properties were measured via nanoindentation. Both multilayer systems showed a decrease in the hardness accompanied by an increase in the elastic modulus with each stacking bilayer. The Cu/W system experienced a gradual hardness reduction (down to 19%), compared to the Cu/Cr system, which exhibited a similar decrease (14.5%). The Cu/W and Cu/Cr multilayer film samples consistently demonstrate a softer nature compared to their bilayer counterparts due to the influence of the underlying Cu soft layers. A distinctive surface smoothness in these multilayer systems correlates with the elastic modulus in a manner unlike that with hardness. These multilayer films also demonstrated altered electrical resistivity, enhancing our understanding and capabilities in fabricating films with an increased number of layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conversion of CO2 into fuels and valuable chemicals presents a viable path toward carbon neutrality. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential of metal-doped graphene catalysts in the reduction of CO2 to C1 products. 20 typical M-graphene (M = metal) catalysts were established based on DFT calculations. Six candidate catalysts, i.e., V-, Cr-, Mn-, Ni-, Mo-, and Ta-graphene catalysts, were selected by combining the hydrogen dissociation ability and the energy band gap of the catalysts. Subsequently, the adsorption characteristics and hydrogenation reactions of CO2 over the six candidates were explored. CO2 tends to adsorb at the M site through vertical adsorption and carbon–oxygen co-adsorption. V- and Cr-graphene catalysts promote the production of intermediate COOH, whereas Mn-, Ni-, Mo-, and Ta-doped surfaces are more favorable for HCOO formation. Concerning the hydrogenation to CO and HCOOH, V-, Cr-, Ni- and Mo-graphene catalysts preferentially yield CO from COOH, whereas Ta-doped graphene favors the formation of HCOOH. In total, the competitive hydrogenation of CO2 reveals the selectivity of the C1 products. Cr- and Ni-graphene favor the production of HCOOH and CH3OH, whereas V-, Mn-, Mo-, and Ta-graphene primarily yield CH3OH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hot deformation behavior and microstructure evolution of a recently developed 2Cr12Ni4Mo3VNbN martensitic stainless steel are examined through hot compression tests conducted within the temperature range of 900–1200 °C and the strain rate range of 0.01–10 s−1. The constitutive equation and processing maps corresponding to hot deformation are established. The activation energy for hot deformation of 2Cr12Ni4Mo3VNbN steel is determined to be ≈457491.77 J mol−1. Simultaneously, the microstructure evolution during hot deformation is studied. Based on the processing maps and microstructure evolution analysis, it is concluded that the optimal windows for hot processing are within the temperature range of 1106–1150 °C and the strain rate range of 0.01–2.7 s−1, as well as at 1200 °C within the strain rate range of 1–2.7 s−1, exhibiting a power dissipation efficiency of 0.32. As the temperature increases and the strain rate decreases, the degree of dynamic recrystallization escalates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Main conclusion: Auxin acts upstream of NO through NOA and XXT5 pathways to regulate the binding capacity of the root cell wall to Al. In our previous study, we identified an unknown mechanism by which 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) decreased the fixation of aluminum (Al) in the cell wall. Here, we observed that external application of the nitric oxide (NO) donor S-nitrosoglutathion (GSNO) increased the inhibition of Al on root elongation. Further analysis indicated that GSNO could induce Al accumulation in the roots and root cell walls, which is consistent with lower xyloglucan content. In comparison to the Columbia-0 (Col-0) wild type (WT), endogenous NO-reduced mutants noa1 (NOA pathway) and nia1nia2 (NR pathway) were more resistant to Al, with lower root Al content, higher xyloglucan content, and more Al accumulation in the root cell walls. By contrast, the xxt5 mutant with reduced xyloglucan content exhibited an Al-sensitive phenotype. Interestingly, Al treatment increased the endogenous auxin and NO levels, and the auxin levels induced under Al stress further stimulated NO production. Auxin application reduced Al retention in hemicellulose and decreased the xyloglucan content, similar to the effects observed with GSNO. In yucca and aux1-7 mutants, exogenous application of NO resulted in responses similar to those of the WT, whereas exogenous auxin had little effect on the noa1 mutant under Al stress. In addition, as auxin had similar effects on the nia1nia2 mutant and the WT, exogenous auxin and NO had little effect on the xxt5 mutant under Al stress, further confirming that auxin acts upstream of NO through NOA and XXT5 pathways to regulate the binding capacity of the root cell wall to Al. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development and utilization of electrochemical energy conversion and storage devices can maximize intermittent renewable energy and balance environmental issues. Aqueous metal‐redox bicatalyst batteries, incorporating value‐added electro‐reduction reactions during discharge process at the cathode, are considered a particularly attractive alternative for simultaneous electricity generation and valuable chemical production. In this review, for the first time, a holistic and subtle description of value‐added metal‐redox bicatalyst batteries is made, focusing on recent efforts to optimize the energy conversion/chemical production‐involved cathodic discharging reactions, including CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR), nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR), nitric oxide reduction reaction (NORR), nitrate reduction reaction (NO3−RR), nitrite reduction reaction (NO2−RR), hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and acetylene reduction reaction (ARR). A macroscopic understanding of design principles in terms of anodes, cathodes, and reaction parameters is provided. Some mechanism explorations, feasibility analyses, technoeconomic assessments, device combinations, and associated comparisons are involved to deepen the understanding of different systems and evaluate their application prospects. Perspectives on and opportunities for future research directions are also outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) comprising five or more elements in near-equiatomic proportions have attracted ever increasing attention for their distinctive properties, such as exceptional strength, corrosion resistance, high hardness, and excellent ductility. The presence of multiple adjacent elements in HEAs provides unique opportunities for novel and adaptable active sites. By carefully selecting the element configuration and composition, these active sites can be optimized for specific purposes. Recently, HEAs have been shown to exhibit remarkable performance in electrocatalytic reactions. Further activity improvement of HEAs is necessary to determine their active sites, investigate the interactions between constituent elements, and understand the reaction mechanisms. Accordingly, a comprehensive review is imperative to capture the advancements in this burgeoning field. In this review, we provide a detailed account of the recent advances in synthetic methods, design principles, and characterization technologies for HEA-based electrocatalysts. Moreover, we discuss the diverse applications of HEAs in electrocatalytic energy conversion reactions, including the hydrogen evolution reaction, hydrogen oxidation reaction, oxygen reduction reaction, oxygen evolution reaction, carbon dioxide reduction reaction, nitrogen reduction reaction, and alcohol oxidation reaction. By comprehensively covering these topics, we aim to elucidate the intricacies of active sites, constituent element interactions, and reaction mechanisms associated with HEAs. Finally, we underscore the imminent challenges and emphasize the significance of both experimental and theoretical perspectives, as well as the potential applications of HEAs in catalysis. We anticipate that this review will encourage further exploration and development of HEAs in electrochemistry-related applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bentonites are widely distributed and developed in several layers in the Ordovician-Silurian boundary, which is of great significance for the study of stratigraphic chronology, stratigraphic correlation, event stratigraphy and mass extinction in the penod. The zircon U-Pb dating of bentonites in the bottom of Upper Ordovician-Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation in Yongshan area on the western margin of Yangtze Plate yields the weighted average age of 443.5± 1.7 Ma, which defines the sedimentary age of the strata and provides a reliable basis for the study of Ordovician-Silurian volcanic eruption event and stratigraphic chronology on the western margin of Yangtze Plate, as well as basic information for the establishment of Ordovician-Silurian high-resolution stratigraphic framework on the periphery of Yangtze Plate. The trace element characteristics of zircon show the features of I-type granite formed in magmatic arc or organic belt. The multi-stage and high-frequency volcanic activity in the Late Ordovician-Early Silurian is possibly the dominant factor causing the mass extinction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to the complexity of electron transfer pathways, the sluggish oxygen evolution reaction process is defined as the bottleneck for the practical application of Zn-air batteries. In this effort, metal nanoparticles (Co, Ni, Fe, etc.) encapsulated within nitrogen-doped carbon materials with abundant edge sites were synthesized by one-step pyrolysis treatment using cigarette butts as raw materials, which can drastically accelerate the overall rate of oxygen evolution reaction by facilitating the adsorption of oxygenated intermediates by the edge-induced topological defects. The prepared catalyst of nitrogen-doped carbon porous nanosheets loaded with Co nanoparticles (Co@NC-500) exhibits enhanced catalytic activity toward oxygen evolution reaction, with a low overpotential of 350 mV at the current density of 10 mA·cm−2. Furthermore, the Zn-air battery assembled with Co@NC-500 catalyst demonstrates a desirable performance affording an open-circuit potential of 1.336 V and power density of 33.6 mW·cm−2, indicating considerable practical application potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims The present study sought to determine the rate and prognostic implications of post-procedural physiologically significant residual ischemia according to Murray law-based quantitative flow ratio (μQFR) after left main (LM) bifurcation percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods and results Consecutive patients undergoing LM bifurcation stenting at a large tertiary care center between January 2014 and December 2016 with available post-PCI μQFR were included. Physiologically significant residual ischemia was defined by post-PCI μQFR values ≤0.80 in the left anterior descending (LAD) or left circumflex artery (LCX). The primary outcome was 3-year cardiovascular death. The major secondary outcome was 3-year bifurcation-oriented composite endpoint (BOCE). Among 1170 included patients with analyzable post-PCI μQFR, 155 (13.2%) had residual ischemia in either LAD or LCX. Patients with vs. those without residual ischemia had a higher risk of 3-year cardiovascular mortality [5.4% vs. 1.3%; adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 3.20, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.16–8.80]. The 3-year risk of BOCE was significantly higher in the residual ischemia group (17.8% vs. 5.8%; adjusted HR 2.79, 95% CI: 1.68–4.64), driven by higher incidence of the composite of cardiovascular death and target bifurcation-related myocardial infarction (14.0% vs. 3.3%; adjusted HR 4.06, 95% CI: 2.22–7.42). A significant, inverse association was observed between continuous post-PCI μQFR and the risk of clinical outcomes (per 0.1 μQFR decrease, HR of cardiovascular death 1.27, 95% CI: 1.00–1.62; HR of BOCE 1.29, 95% CI: 1.14–1.47). Conclusion After angiographically successful LM bifurcation PCI, residual ischemia assessed by μQFR was identified in 13.2% of patients and was associated with higher risk of 3-year cardiovascular death, indicating the superior prognostic value of post-PCI physiological assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: Ultrathin P and Fe co-doped NiSe2 nanosheets supported on modified Ni foam are synthesized, which shows desirable bifunctional electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER)/hydrazine oxidation reaction (HzOR) performance in hydrazine-assisted water electrolysis and Zn-Hz battery. The coexistence of P and Fe heteroatoms induces an accelerated "2 + 2" reaction mechanism with a two-step HER process and a two-step HzOR step. Hydrazine-assisted water electrolysis is a promising energy conversion technology for highly efficient hydrogen production. Rational design of bifunctional electrocatalysts, which can simultaneously accelerate hydrogen evolution reaction (HER)/hydrazine oxidation reaction (HzOR) kinetics, is the key step. Herein, we demonstrate the development of ultrathin P/Fe co-doped NiSe2 nanosheets supported on modified Ni foam (P/Fe-NiSe2) synthesized through a facile electrodeposition process and subsequent heat treatment. Based on electrochemical measurements, characterizations, and density functional theory calculations, a favorable "2 + 2" reaction mechanism with a two-step HER process and a two-step HzOR step was fully proved and the specific effect of P doping on HzOR kinetics was investigated. P/Fe-NiSe2 thus yields an impressive electrocatalytic performance, delivering a high current density of 100 mA cm−2 with potentials of − 168 and 200 mV for HER and HzOR, respectively. Additionally, P/Fe-NiSe2 can work efficiently for hydrazine-assisted water electrolysis and Zn-Hydrazine (Zn-Hz) battery, making it promising for practical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water electrolysis, driven by renewable energy resources, is a promising energy conversion technology that has gained intensive interest in recent years. However, conventional water electrolysis faces a number of challenges, including large thermodynamic potential gaps, valueless anodic products, explosive hydrogen/oxygen mixtures, reactive oxygen species, and limited pure water. Hybrid water electrolysis, appending different electrolytes in the anode compartment to circumvent the above‐mentioned challenges in conventional water electrolysis, is a particularly attractive alternative. In this review, for the first time, a holistic and subtle description of hybrid water electrolysis is provided, focusing on the design of high‐activity/selectivity/stability anodic electrocatalysts for the electrochemical oxidation of various chemicals, such as alcohol, aldehyde, amine, urea and hydrazine, or the oxygen evolution reaction in seawater electrolytes. Comprehensive judging criteria for anodic oxidation reactions, electrocatalysts, and reaction parameters in hybrid water electrolysis are discussed. Some technoeconomic assessments, feasibility analyses, mechanism explorations, and correlation comparisons are involved. Finally, perspectives on and opportunities for future research directions in hybrid water electrolysis systems are outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) is an effective treatment for progressive keratoconus. Multiple CXL modalities are clinically available. The present study compared the 1 year outcomes of five types of CXL procedures for progressive keratoconus in a Chinese population using generalized estimating equations (GEE). Methods: This retrospective study included 239 eyes in 171 patients with keratoconus who underwent CXL and were followed up for 1 year. Five CXL procedures were assessed, including Accelerated Transepithelial CXL, Iontophoresis CXL for 10 min, CXL plus phototherapeutic keratectomy (CXL-plus-PTK), High-Fluence Accelerated CXL, and Accelerated CXL. Patients treated with the Accelerated CXL procedure represented the reference group. Primary outcomes were visual acuity change, spherical equivalence, endothelial cell density, mean keratometry (Kmean), maximum keratometry (Kmax), minimum corneal thickness (MCT), and the ABCD Grading System, consisting of A (staging index for ARC; ARC = anterior radius of curvature), B (staging index for PRC, PRC = posterior radius of curvature), and C (staging index for MCT) values 1 year postoperatively compared to baseline. Secondary outcomes were corrected GEE comparisons from each procedure versus the Accelerated CXL group. Results: The Accelerated Transepithelial CXL group had lower performance than the Accelerated CXL group according to Kmean and Kmax. The CXL-plus-PTK group performed significantly better than the reference group as reflected by Kmax (β = -0.935, P = 0.03). However, the CXL-plus-PTK group did not perform as well for B and C, and the Iontophoresis CXL group performed better for C. Conclusions: The CXL-plus-PTK procedure was more effective than the Accelerated CXL procedure based on Kmax, and the Iontophoresis CXL procedure performed better on the C value based on the ABCD Grading System. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acid rain has progressively become more problematic due to increasing concentrations of atmospheric pollution, particularly in China. Mirabilis jalapa L. is an important landscaping ground cover plant with significant resistance to multiple stressors, yet its tolerance to acid stress is unknown. In this study, the effects of acid rain on the growth and numerous physiological indexes of M. jalapa at different growth stages such as plant height, leaf growth, chlorophyll content, and chlorophyll fluorescence were investigated under increasingly acidic conditions of pH 5.6 (control), pH 4.0, pH 3.0, and pH 2.0. We found that the plant height, leaf length, and leaf area of M. jalapa varied significantly across our four treatments (P < 0.05). As the simulated acid rain pH decreased, the plant height, leaf length, and leaf area showed the trend of first increasing before decreasing. In the peak at pH 4.0 treatment, the plant height, leaf length, leaf area, and chlorophyll content were significantly higher than that of the control, pH 3.0 and pH 2.0 (P < 0.05). There are significant differences in chlorophyll fluorescence parameters under different treatments (P < 0.05). The actual photochemical efficiency (ΦPSII) and apparent electron transfer rate (ETR) of the leaves of M. jalapa in the control group, pH 4.0 and 3.0 acid rain stress were significantly higher than that under pH 2.0 stress, while the chemical quenching coefficient (qN) was lower. Chlorophyll fluorescence parameters under control and pH 3.0 treatments were different but not significant (P > 0.05), indicating that M. jalapa seedlings under pH 4.0–3.0 acid rain treatments had higher photorespiration ability. Whereas M. jalapa, under severe stress pH 2.0, increased heat dissipation capacity by absorbing the photorespiration ability. We conclude that acidic conditions of pH of 3.0 were the threshold limit, and acid rain below this value could potentially have a detrimental effect on actual photochemical efficiency. M. jalapa had better adaptability under the decreased acidic conditions, rain concentration pH 4.0 to 3.0, which promoted its growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to explore the influence of Cr, V, Ti, and Zr elements and homogenization treatment on MoNbTa-based refractory high-entropy alloys, four alloys, MoNbTaCrV, MoNbTaZrV, MoNbTaTiV and MoNbTaTiZr are prepared in this work. The microstructures, mechanical properties, and corrosion resistance of as-cast and homogenized MoNbTa-based alloys have been analyzed by using x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, mechanical performance testing, and electrochemical corrosion. The results showed that, except for the MoNbTaZrV alloy, the other three alloys were composed of BCC-phase solid solutions. The metastable phase structure in MoNbTa-based high-entropy alloys can be eliminated by homogenization treatment. Typically (Mo, Nb, Ta)-rich dendritic and (Cr, V, Zr, Ti)-rich interdendritic morphologies were observed. The addition of Ti was very helpful in improving the compressive strain of the alloys. The as-cast MoNbTaTiZr alloy, which showed the compressive strength of 1620 MPa and fracture strain of 22.03%, had the best compression performance. There was still a slight increase after homogenization treatment at 900°C. When the V element was added, the MoNbTa-based alloys had better corrosion resistance. The homogenization treatment had a poor effect on the corrosion resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analytically and numerically investigate the acoustic plasmon mode in phosphorene placed above a metallic substrate with a finite gap width. Combined with finite-difference time-domain simulations, we demonstrate the responses of evanescent waves in the phosphorene-insulator-metal (PIM) waveguide, involving field enhancement, light confinement, and optical force. It turned out that owing to a large amount of light energy squeezed inside the gap, the light confinement ratio and optical force along the armchair direction in the PIM waveguide can be up to 96% and 6930 pN mWâˆ'1, respectively. Our results may manifest in diverse optoelectronic applications like optical tweezers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 453 topsoil samples are collected at a density of 1.12 cores per square kilometer in Gaoqiao Town of Wuding County. The heavy metal elements such as As, Cr, Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb, Ni and Zn are evaluated for soil environment geochemistry. The soil quality is assessed as first and second grades, with the first-grade area of 350 km², accounting for 84.95%, and the second-grade area of 62 km², making up 15.05%. Cu and Cd in some parts of the area show abnormal but do not reach pollution levels. The contents of nutrient elements such as N, P and K are evaluated for soil nutrient geochemical grading, with about 378 km² above medium level, occupying 91.74%. The nutrient-deficient parts are close to densely-populated area, therefore it is inferred that the evaluation unit is seriously affected by human activities. From the above, the land quality geochemical evaluation for Gaoqiao Town shows a relative balance, with high-quality area about 101 km², accounting for 24.51%, good area 224 km² (54.37%), medium area 80 km² (19.42%), and no inferior area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of pore structure on the two‐electron oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in nitrogen‐doped carbon materials is currently under debate, and previous studies are mainly limited to the rotating ring‐disk electrode (RRDE) rather than the practical flow cell (FC) system. In this study, assisted by a group of reliable pore models, the impact of two pore structure parameters, that is, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area (SBET) and micropore surface fraction (fmicro), on ORR activity and selectivity are investigated in both RRDE and FC. The ORR mass activity correlates positively to the SBET in the RRDE and FC because a higher SBET can host more active sites. The H2O2 selectivity is independent of fmicro in the RRDE but correlates negatively to fmicro in the FC. The inconsistency results from different states of the electrode in the RRDE and the FC. These insights will guide the design of carbon materials for H2O2 synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A proton-transporting pathway is crucial to the conduction mechanism in fuel cells and biological systems. Here, we report a novel 5-fold interpenetrated three-dimensional (3D) hydrogen-bonded quadruplex framework, which exhibits an ultrahigh single-crystal proton conductivity of 1.2(1) × 10−2 S cm−1 at 95 °C and 98% relative humidity, benefitting from the spiral H3O+/H2O chains in 1D pore channels studded with COOH/COO− groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is a paucity of real-world data regarding the clinical impact of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) interruption (temporary or permanent) among patients at high ischemic risk. The aim of this study was to assess the risk of cardiovascular events after interruption of DAPT in high-risk PCI population.Methods: This study used data from the Fuwai PCI registry, a large, prospective cohort of consecutive patients who underwent PCI. We assessed 3,931 patients with at least 1 high ischemic risk criteria of stent-related recurrent ischemic events proposed in the 2017 ESC guidelines for focused update on DAPT who were free of major cardiac events in the first 12 months. The primary ischemic endpoint was 30-month major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events, and the key safety endpoints were BARC class 2, 3, or 5 bleeding and net adverse clinical events.Results: DAPT interruption within 12 months occurred in 1,122 patients (28.5%), most of which were due to bleeding events or patients' noncompliance to treatment. A multivariate Cox regression model, propensity score (PS) matching, and inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) based on the propensity score demonstrated that DAPT interruption significantly increased the risk of primary ischemic endpoint compared with prolonged DAPT (3.9% vs. 2.2%; Cox-adjusted hazard ratio (HR): 1.840; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.247 to 2.716; PS matching-HR: 2.049 [1.236-3.399]; IPTW-adjusted HR: 1.843 [1.250-2.717]). This difference was driven mainly by all-cause death (1.8% vs. 0.7%) and MI (1.3% vs. 0.5%). Furthermore, the rate of net adverse clinical events (4.9% vs. 3.2%; Cox-adjusted HR: 1.581 [1.128-2.216]; PS matching-HR: 1.639 [1.075-2.499]; IPTW-adjusted HR: 1.554 [1.110-2.177]) was also higher in patients with DAPT interruption (≤12 months), whereas no significant differences between groups were observed in terms of BARC 2, 3, or 5 bleeding. These findings were consistent across various stent-driven high-ischemic risk subsets with respect to the primary ischemic endpoints, with a greater magnitude of harm among patients with diffuse multivessel diabetic coronary artery disease.Conclusions: In patients undergoing high-risk PCI, interruption of DAPT in the first 12 months occurred infrequently and was associated with a significantly higher adjusted risk of major adverse cardiovascular events and net adverse clinical events. 2017 ESC stent-driven high ischemic risk criteria may help clinicians to discriminate patient selection in the use of long-term DAPT when the ischemic risk certainly overcomes the bleeding one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In comparison to pure water, seawater is widely accepted as an unlimited resource. The direct seawater splitting is economical and eco-friendly, but the key challenges in seawater, especially the chlorine-related competing reactions at the anode, seriously hamper its practical application. The development of earth-abundant electrocatalysts toward direct seawater splitting has emerged as a promising strategy. Highly efficient electrocatalysts with improved selectivity and stability are of significance in preventing the interference of side reactions and resisting various impurities. This review first discusses the macroscopic understanding of direct seawater electrolysis and then focuses on the strategies for rational design of electrocatalysts toward direct seawater splitting. The perspectives of improved electrocatalysts to solve emerging challenges and further development of direct seawater splitting are also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reuse of waste biomass has received more and more attention in recent years due to resource and environmental problems. The development of green, environmentally friendly and cost-effective electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) is currently the focus of research as key electrochemical energy storage systems. Herein, a facile strategy is adopted to prepare 3D hierarchical porous carbon anodes for LIBs/SIBs by taking advantage of waste crab shells and iron p-toluenesulfonate. The results show that the reversible specific capacity of the prepared anode could reach 703.2 mAh g−1 in LIBs and 283.2 mAh g−1 in SIBs when the current density is 0.05 A g−1. In addition, the contributions of pseudocapacitance, the kinetic characteristics and the storage mechanisms of lithium/sodium ions are investigated through cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic intermittent titration techniques (GITTs). Due to the unique structure, the obtained material displays an excellent electrochemical performance, which lays the foundation for the improvement in the performance of waste biomass in LIBs/SIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the case of a 60-year-old woman who suddenly suffered a witnessed cardiac arrest and did not achieve return of spontaneous circulation despite being given 150-minute ultra-long cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). During CPR, pulmonary embolism was suspected and was eventually diagnosed based on refractory pulseless electrical activity, elevated serum D-dimmer, and a markedly enlarged right ventricle chamber. After rescue thrombolytic alteplase therapy, the patient was successfully resuscitated and had a good neurological recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypertension represents one of the most common pre-existing conditions and comorbidities in Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. To explore whether hypertension serves as a risk factor for disease severity, a multi-centre, retrospective study was conducted in COVID-19 patients. A total of 498 consecutively hospitalised patients with lab-confirmed COVID-19 in China were enrolled in this cohort. Using logistic regression, we assessed the association between hypertension and the likelihood of severe illness with adjustment for confounders. We observed that more than 16% of the enrolled patients exhibited pre-existing hypertension on admission. More severe COVID-19 cases occurred in individuals with hypertension than those without hypertension (21% vs. 10%, P = 0.007). Hypertension associated with the increased risk of severe illness, which was not modified by other demographic factors, such as age, sex, hospital geological location and blood pressure levels on admission. More attention and treatment should be offered to patients with underlying hypertension, who usually are older, have more comorbidities and more susceptible to cardiac complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]