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The presence of T2-Al2MgC2 compound has significant influence on the mechanical properties of magnesium alloys. The mechanical, electronic and dynamical properties of T2-Al2MgC2 under high pressure are investigated by plane wave pseudopotential method based on the first-principles calculation. The results show that T2-Al2MgC2 is mechanically stable under high pressure, the elastic constants except C 1 4 increase with the increase of pressure. This compound presents brittleness and the brittleness decreases with increasing pressure when P < 4 0 GPa, but it displays ductility when P > 4 0 GPa. T2-Al2MgC2 has strong anisotropy, and the anisotropy decreases with increasing pressure. T2-Al2MgC2 is an indirect bandgap semiconductor material. Our calculated bandgap is 1.893 eV at ambient pressure, the bandgap first increases and then decreases with increasing pressure. The phonon band structure as well as the total and partial phonon density of the state under different pressures had been analyzed. The constant volume heat capacity C V and entropy S of T2-Al2MgC2 increase with increasing pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vaccine passport is recognized as a necessary policy to revive the economy during the outbreak of epidemic with asymptomatic infection, and has been widely adopted in the global world. But implementing vaccine passport inevitably increases the infection risk when the vaccine efficacy is not perfect. Choosing a suitable level of vaccine passport with the consideration of vaccine imperfection is extremely important, which is less studied in the existing literature. In this paper, a novel epidemic model is proposed to consider the mixed impacts of vaccination, including vaccination coverage, vaccine efficacy, and vaccine passport, and the heterogeneous mean-filed (HMF) method is used to analyze the model. Both analytical and numerical results indicate that the introduction of vaccine passport will largely weaken the effect of vaccination and decrease the epidemic threshold in either homogeneous or heterogeneous network structure. Especially, when the efficacy of vaccine is lower than a certain value, if vaccine passport is implemented, increasing vaccination coverage may instead increase the number of infections. The results suggest that the proper vaccination-related combinations are: medium/high vaccination coverage, high vaccine efficacy, and low/medium vaccine passport. In addition, the upper bounds of vaccine passport under different combinations of vaccination coverage and vaccine efficacy are explored based on the epidemic threshold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnesium dicarbide (MgC2) at high pressure has been systematically investigated using the first-principle methods. Ten possible structures were studied and three of them (Cmcm, C2/m, P-3m1) were found to be dynamically and mechanically stable under the given pressure. The calculated formation enthalpies indicated that the Cmcm structure was thermodynamically unstable while the C2/m and P-3m1 structures were thermodynamically stable. The interesting thing was that the P-3m1 structure of MgC2 could also be as potential hard materials owing to their Vickers hardness closing to 40 GPa with increasing pressure. The Cmcm and C2/m structures presented ductile behaviour while P-3m1 structure displayed brittle character. The elastic anisotropy of Young's modulus E and shear modulus G became smaller with the increasing pressure, and the P-3m1 structure possessed a lower anisotropy in E and G than Cmcm and C2/m structures. The Cmcm and C2/m structures of MgC2 had metallic characteristic; however, the P-3m1 structure of MgC2 was semiconductor with an indirect band gap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adherence to oral nutritional supplement therapy among postoperative patients with gastric cancer is low. There is little knowledge about patients' priorities and needs regarding oral nutritional supplement therapy. The discrete choice experiment is an innovative method used to elicit patients' preferences. Good practice guidelines emphasize that the development of attributes and levels is a fundamentally important process. Objective: To comprehensively describe the identification, refinement, and selection of attributes and levels for a discrete choice experiment. Methods: A mixed-methods approach, consisting of three consecutive steps: a literature review, in-depth interviews, and focus groups. First, the literature review allowed quick identification of attributes and levels. Then, 15 in-depth interviews were conducted to gather a rich description of the experience of patients taking oral nutritional supplements after gastrectomy and to verify and enrich the attributes and levels list. Finally, four focus group participants discussed the wording of the attributes and levels and reduced the number of attributes to manageable numbers through voting ranking methods. Results: Following the literature review and qualitative data collection, eight attributes were finally generated, each with two to three levels. The following attributes were included: 1) information provider; 2) health guidance approach; 3) adverse reactions; 4) flavor; 5) follow-up method; 6) follow-up frequency; 7) psychological support; 8) cost. These attributes covered the important attributes of nutritional preparations and health guidance included in ONS therapy that were relevant to patients. Conclusions: This study's mixed-methods approach has been found highly suitable to identify, refine and select attributes and levels for a discrete choice experiment. The three methods have pros and cons, and they complement each other, especially the analysis of qualitative data led to a deeper and broader understanding of attributes and levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The traditional system frequency response (SFR) model is not applicable to the study of the frequency response of contemporary power grid due to the response of the large capacity (single unit up to 500 MW) type-II doubly-fed variable speed pumped storage (VSPS) unit is not considered. This article proposes an improved reduced-order SFR model for the power grid integrated with the large-scale type-II VSPS. proposed models Compared with the traditional SFR model, this model takes into account the active power coupling effect of this type of VSPS, and the computational burden increase of the model is small due to the model of VSPS has been reduced to the greatest extent. Therefore, the SFR model can be used by the system operators to rapidly calculate and evaluate the frequency response of contemporary power grid. Firstly, a reduced-order frequency response transfer function model of the Type-II VSPS is established by using the state-space model and small-signal incremental method. Compared with the higher-order nonlinear model of the Type-II VSPS, the state variables and computation burden of the established model is dramatically decreased. Secondly, an improved SFR model for the power grid integrated with the type-II VSPS is presented, and then the reduced-order analytical solution for the frequency response of the grid is put forward based on the parameter weighted aggregation method. The improved SFR model is more realistic and can better express the frequency response characteristics of the contemporary power grid. The proposed SFR model have demonstrated advantages in solving speed and efficiency when contrast it with the higher-order nonlinear model of the grid. Finally, the simulation and experimental results are respectively compared with the analytical solution of the reduced-order models, and the results have demonstrated the effectiveness of the. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Name-Your-Own-Price (NYOP) auction, the spread of bidding information among buyers is incredibly important for both buyers and sellers. However, the impact of hub nodes on the spread of bidding information is less investigated. In this research, we proposed a directed distance index, and used it to explore the roles of hub nodes during an NYOP auction. The results showed significant impacts of hub nodes on buyers' behaviors and seller profits, but the impacts highly depend on the fading speed of information. When information fades fast, the hub nodes should be more valued to increase buyers' bidding intention and make them bid more wisely. Seller's profits will also be increased. While information fades slow, the hub nodes and the regular nodes should be approximately valued. Moreover, we explored the case of sharing failed bids, and found that the roles of hub nodes become more salient when buyers are more willing to share the failed bids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased frequency of disasters keeps reminding us of the importance of effective resource distribution in postdisaster. To reduce the suffering of victims, this paper focuses on how to establish an effective emergency logistics system. We first propose a multiobjective optimization model in which the location and allocation decisions are made for a three-level logistics network. Three objectives, deprivation costs, unsatisfied demand costs, and logistics cost, are adopted in the proposed optimization model. Several cardinality and flow balance constraints are considered simultaneously. Then, we design a novel effective IFA-GA algorithm by combining the firefly algorithm and genetic algorithm to solve this complex model effectively. Furthermore, three schemes are proposed to improve the effectiveness of the IFA-GA algorithm. Finally, the numerical results provide several insights on the theory and practice of relief distribution, which also illustrate the validity of the proposed solution algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: The relationship between the Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and homocysteine is unclear. We evaluated the effect of H. pylori on serum homocysteine in a healthy Chinese population. Methods: A total of 21 184 individuals aged over 18 years underwent 13C/14C urease breath test (13C/14C‐UBT) and blood tests and 5042 individuals with follow‐up intervals greater than 6 months. Homocysteine levels are classified according to the Chinese expert consensus. Results: The rates of H. pylori infection of normal level, mild level, moderate level, and severe level were 40.9%, 43.8%, 45.8%, and 46.6%, respectively (P = 0.000). H. pylori infection increased the risk of higher homocysteine concentration (OR = 1.406, P = 0.000). In the case–control study, the rates of persistent negative, new infection, persistent infection, and eradication infection were 43.6%, 11.2%, 22.9%, and 22.3%, respectively. The percentage of changes in serum homocysteine levels varied significantly among the different H. pylori infection statuses only in mild level (P = 0.024). Mean changed homocysteine values were higher in the subgroup of persistent infection than in the persistent negative subgroup (P = 0.004) and the eradication infection subgroup (P = 0.034). Serum homocysteine values were elevated only in the subgroup with over 3 years interval time and persistent infection (n = 107, mean paired differences = 1.1 ± 4.6 μmol/L, P = 0.014). Conclusions: There is a relationship between H. pylori and serum homocysteine, and persistent infection leads to elevation of the latter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is highly prevalent and underdiagnosed worldwide. The validity and reliability of COPD Population Screening (COPD-PS) questionnaire are not properly known in a large-sample Chinese population. Methods: This is a national multicenter prospective study that enrolled 1,824 outpatients from 12 hospital sites in China. Scores of the Chinese version of COPD-PS questionnaire, demographic data, and clinical information were collected. The validity and the test-retest reliability were evaluated. Results: 1,824 participants were involved in this study, and 404 (22.1%) were diagnosed with COPD. The overall area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) for COPD-PS questionnaire was 0.761 (95% CI: 0.734–0.787). A cut-off point of 4 was recommended, corresponding to a sensitivity of 74.50% and a specificity of 64.37%. The COPD-PS questionnaire showed an overall Pearson's correlation of 0.88. Conclusions: The COPD-PS questionnaire can be used in screening COPD patients from the general Chinese population with respiratory symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A coherence-orbital angular momentum (COAM) matrix describes the second-order spatial correlations among the pairs of the OAM states in a light beam at two radial positions. It provides a detailed information regarding the azimuthal features of the light beam itself or of the objects interacting with it. In this Letter, we reveal a close relationship existing between the COAM matrix's elements of a partially coherent light beam and the angular gratings that it passes through. It is demonstrated both in theory and in experiment that all the parameters of the angular gratings can be identified by measuring the COAM matrix elements. While the off-diagonal elements possess information about the angular shifts and the rotation speed of the angular grating, the diagonal elements account for the energy distribution among the OAM modes. The experimental results agree reasonably well with the theoretical analysis. One practically significant capability is that our technique offers the determination of angular shifts of azimuthally symmetric objects and/or their rotational speed, by means of a single-pixel detector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An extended SAIS model is developed to explore the impacts of contact tracing on the epidemic with asymptomatic infection. • The three effects induced by contact tracing: social distancing, infection test, and arousing risk perception, are considered simultaneously. • Based on contact tracing, social distancing is more effective than the other two effects on reducing the number of infections. • Contact tracing and its three effects will not affect the epidemic threshold as it is completely epidemic-based. Contact tracing is widely adopted to inhibit the epidemics in the global world, and has been proved to be very effective in reducing infections. But it is rarely investigated whether contact tracing can completely eradicate an epidemic with asymptomatic infection. This paper proposes a novel model to explore the impacts of contact tracing on the outbreak size and outbreak threshold of an epidemic with asymptomatic infection in a two-layered network structure. Based on contact tracing, three types of effects are considered simultaneously: social distancing on the close contacts, infection test on the close contacts, and arousing risk perception from the close contacts. The results indicate that contact tracing and its three effects can largely reduce the number of infections. Among the three effects, the effect of social distancing is more effective because it acts on both the susceptible nodes and the asymptomatic nodes, while the other two only act on one type of nodes. However, contact tracing and its three effects are unable to change the epidemic threshold, even if the asymptomatic nodes and symptomatic nodes are all set to be infectious. The primary reason is that the identification of close contacts is driven by the detection of infections, and is lagged behind the outbreak of epidemic. In fact, the threshold for close contacts to emerge is highly dependent on the epidemic threshold. When the epidemic size approaches 0, close contacts will also disappear. To increase the efficiency of contact tracing on the epidemic threshold, the optimal strategy should directly target the normal people besides the close-contact individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A two-layer network is constructed to model the simultaneous impacts of spontaneous and public social distancing. • Social distancing can increase the epidemic threshold. • Spontaneous social distancing will not affect the epidemic threshold when infection sources are undetected. • Public social distancing should be more exerted in the subnetworks of higher infection risk. Social distancing can be divided into two categories: spontaneous social distancing adopted by the individuals themselves, and public social distancing promoted by the government. Both types of social distancing have been proved to suppress the spread of infectious disease effectively. While previous studies examined the impact of each social distancing separately, the simultaneous impacts of them are less studied. In this research, we develop a mathematical model to analyze how spontaneous social distancing and public social distancing simultaneously affect the outbreak threshold of an infectious disease with asymptomatic infection. A communication-contact two-layer network is constructed to consider the difference between spontaneous social distancing and public social distancing. Based on link overlap of the two layers, the two-layer network is divided into three subnetworks: communication-only network, contact-only network, and overlapped network. Our results show that public social distancing can significantly increase the outbreak threshold of an infectious disease. To achieve better control effect, the subnetwork of higher infection risk should be more targeted by public social distancing, but the subnetworks of lower infection risk shouldn't be overlooked. The impact of spontaneous social distancing is relatively weak. On the one hand, spontaneous social distancing in the communication-only network has no impact on the outbreak threshold of the infectious disease. On the other hand, the impact of spontaneous social distancing in the overlapped network is highly dependent on the detection of asymptomatic infection sources. Moreover, public social distancing collaborates with infection detection on controlling an infectious disease, but their impacts can't add up perfectly. Besides, public social distancing is slightly less effective than infection detection, because infection detection can also promote spontaneous social distancing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent pathway of regulated cell death. But the exact mechanism of ferroptosis in ischemic stroke remains unclear. We hypothesize that conventional protein kinase cγ (cPKCγ) can attenuate neuronal death by regulating ferroptosis. In this study, primary cultured cortical neurons were used to establish 1 h oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD) and reoxygenation (R) 0–12 h (i.e., 1 h OGD/R 0–12 h) as in vitro models of cell ischemia. After 1 h OGD/R 0–12 h, cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) and acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) levels increased, and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4) levels decreased significantly. Concurrently, GPx4 activity decreases, and iron levels increased. The inhibition of ferroptosis by Liproxstatin-1 ameliorated OGD-induced neuronal injury. Liproxstatin-1 administration prominently induced GPx4 expression and suppressed COX2 expression. Additionally, Liproxstatin-1 administration substantially reduced iron accumulation and rescued GPx4 activity, accompanying by prominent changes in lipid peroxidation indicators. cPKCγ knockdown significantly aggravated neuronal death, and increased GPx4 depletion and COX2 and ACSL4 levels, thus dramatically increasing iron accumulation and GPx4 inactivation. Changes in lipid peroxidation indicators were also significantly increased. Ferroptosis is closely associated with OGD-induced ischemic injury, and cPKCγ can attenuate ischemic injury after OGD via ferroptosis suppression. • ferroptosis can occur after OGD/R injury. • ferroptosis inhibition could reduce neuronal death, iron levels and lipid peroxidation. • cPKCγ knockdown could aggravate OGD/R-induced neuronal death. • cPKCγ knockdown could aggravate OGD/R-induced neuronal ferroptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Inflammation within areas of interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IF/TA) is associated with kidney allograft failure. The aim of this study was to reveal new diagnostic markers of IF/TA based on bioinformatics analysis.Methods: Raw data of IF/TA samples after kidney transplantation and control samples after kidney transplantation were extracted from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database (GSE76882 and GSE120495 datasets), and genes that were differentially expressed between the two groups (DEGs) were screened. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), ESTIMATE and single sample GSEA (ssGSEA), least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis, and competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network were used to analyze the data.Results: The results of GSEA revealed that multiple immune-related pathways were enriched in the IF/TA group, and subsequent immune landscape analysis also showed that the IF/TA group had higher immune and stromal scores and up to 15 types of immune cells occupied them, such as B cells, cytotoxic cells, and T cells. LASSO regression analysis selected 6 (including ANGPTL3, APOH, LTF, FCGR2B, HLA-DQA2, and EGF) out of 14 DE-IRGs as diagnostic genes to construct a diagnostic model. Then, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed the powerful diagnostic value of the model, and the area under the curve (AUC) of a single diagnostic gene was greater than 0.75. The results of ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) also indicated that DEGs were involved in the immune system and kidney disease-related pathways. Finally, we found multiple miRNAs that could regulate diagnostic genes from the ceRNA network.Conclusion: This study identified 6 IF/TA-related genes, which might be used as a new diagnosis model in the clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three‐dimensional paper‐based microfluidic devices have shown great potential in various applications, including point‐of‐care diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and tissue engineering. However, their fabrication is still limited to stacking and origami methods. Inspired by the art of bamboo braiding in China, we developed a novel fabrication technique based on the braiding concept to create three‐dimensional paper‐based microfluidic devices with PDMS‐impregnated paper substrate as the building units. The resulting three‐dimensional paper device brings unique advantages, including compactness, facile disassembly, and real‐time flow visualization. The multiplexed glucose analysis with a braided device integrated with 16‐switchable valves for flow control was further fabricated to demonstrate the device's applicability. We envision braiding‐based fabrication technology opening new possibilities and bringing broad applications for three‐dimensional paper microfluidic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrolytes are considered the lifeblood of lithium batteries, facilitating ion transfer between the cathode and anode. However, the flammability, volatility and corrosiveness of organic electrolytes impede the sustainable development of lithium batteries. Deep eutectic electrolytes (DEEs) have emerged as a promising alternative, exhibiting high stability, non-flammability and wide electrochemical window. Herein, a series of DEEs with varying molar ratios of azoles and LiTFSI were facilely prepared through the interaction of Li⋯N. These DEEs demonstrate unique advantages, including non-flammability, high conductivity and a favourable Li+ transference number. In particular, the DEEs ImL-4:1 and PyL-4:1 (Imidazole:LiTFSI = 4:1 and Pyrazole:LiTFSI = 4:1, respectively) achieve high ionic conductivities of 4.5 × 10−3 and 5.8 × 10−3 S cm−1 at 80 °C, respectively. Notably, the electrochemical window of PyL-4:1 is stable, making it a suitable electrolyte for the lithium metal-free Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 /LiFePO 4 full battery. This system exhibits an initial specific capacity of 147 mAh g−1 and maintains stable cycling performance over 200 cycles. This study offers valuable insights into the design of electrolytes, addressing the challenges posed by traditional organic electrolytes and paving the way for sustainable lithium battery development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Significance: Gasotransmitters are small gas molecules that are endogenously generated and have well-defined physiological functions. The most well-defined gasotransmitters currently are nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrogen sulfide (H2S), while other potent gasotransmitters include ammonia, methane, cyanide, hydrogen gas, and sulfur dioxide. Gasotransmitters play a role in various respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, obstructive sleep apnea, lung infection, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, primary ciliary dyskinesia, and COVID-19. Recent Advances: Gasotransmitters can act as biomarkers that facilitate disease diagnosis, indicate disease severity, predict disease exacerbation, and evaluate disease outcomes. They also have cell-protective properties, and many studies have been conducted to explore their pharmacological applications. Innovative drug donors and drug delivery methods have been invented to amplify their therapeutic effects. Critical Issues: In this article, we briefly reviewed the physiological and pathophysiological functions of some gasotransmitters in the respiratory system, the progress in detecting exhaled gasotransmitters, as well as innovative drugs derived from these molecules. Future Directions: The current challenge for gasotransmitter research includes further exploring their physiological and pathological functions, clarifying their complicated interactions, exploring suitable drug donors and delivery devices, and characterizing new members of gasotransmitters. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 40, 168–185. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyclodextrin (CD) is an important guest material owing to the water solubility and biocompatibility. In the paper, an organic small molecule was synthesized. According to supramolecular self-assembly, the organic molecule was bounded to the cavity of Poly β-cyclodextrin, which was characterized by IR, SEM and TEM et al. After self-assembly interaction, the morphology has changed obviously comparing with precursors. Simultaneously, the supramolecular self-assembly complex exhibited good water solubility. Moreover, By Gaussian calculation, the high binding activity between organic molecule and cyclodextrin was confirmed. By fluorescence investigation, the supramolecular system showed high fluorescence sensing activity for Zn2+ in pure water environment, which could track the dynamic change of Zn2+ in organisms. In addition, the supramolecular system exhibited low cytotoxicity. The work provided an interesting pathway for constructing water-soluble and low cytotoxic fluorescence sensor for Zn2+. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: 3,4-bis(3-nitrofurazan-4-yl)furoxan (DNTF) is a new energetic compound with high energy and high density, and it is an important component of propellant and melt cast explosive. In order to study the effect of solvent on the growth morphology of DNTF, the growth plane of DNTF in vacuum is predicted by attachment energy (AE) model, and then the modified attachment energy of each growth plane in different solvents is calculated by molecular dynamics simulation. The morphology of crystal in solvent is predicted by modified attachment energy (MAE) model. The factors affecting crystal growth in solvent environment are analyzed by mass density distribution, radial distribution function and diffusion coefficient. The results show that the growth morphology of crystal in solvent is not only related to the adsorption strength of solvent to crystal plane, but affected by the attraction of crystal plane to solute. The hydrogen bond plays an important role in the adsorption strength between solvent and crystal plane. The polarity of solvent has a great influence on the crystal morphology, and the interaction between the solvent with stronger polarity and the crystal plane is stronger. The morphology of DNTF in n-butanol solvent is closer to spherical, which can effectively reduce the sensitivity of DNTF. Methods: The molecular dynamics simulation is carried out under the COMPASS force field of Materials Studio software. Gaussian software is used to calculate the electrostatic potential of DNTF at B3LYP-D3/6–311 + G (d, p) theoretical level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a protocol for compact and efficient synthesis of a random vectorial source with a higher-order Poincaré (HOP) polarization state encoded into the spatial coherence structure. The procedure is based on the complex-random-mode representation of the cross-spectral density matrix and employs a single phase-only spatial light modulator (SLM) and a common path interferometric system for the mode construction. The SLM displays a set of elaborated multiplexed holograms, which both encode the HOP polarization state and determine the statistical properties of the source. We demonstrate that the beam from the synthesized source can be highly robust against obstructions in the propagation path in the sense that the encoded HOP polarization state is well reconstructed in the far field (focal plane) even when an obstacle is introduced to largely block the source. The results are useful for the transmission of polarization-encoded information in complex media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid sturgeon is an important economic fish species in China. In 2021, a bacterium was isolated from the liver and kidneys of freshwater-farmed hybrid sturgeon in Yichang City, Hubei Province, causing a disease with high mortality and surface bleeding. Through morphological observation, 16S rDNA gene sequence analysis, pathogenicity, an antimicrobial sensitivity test, as well as serum physiological and biochemical analysis, it was identified as Staphylococcus saprophyticus and named E702. The 16S rDNA gene sequence of E702 is highly homologous to S. saprophyticus in GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis showed that E702 and S. saprophyticus clustered into one clade. The 50% lethal dose of E702 was 2.14 × 105 CFU/g. The percentages of monocytes and eosinophils were markedly increased in the diseased sturgeon's blood, whereas the percentages of platelets and lymphocytes were decreased. The activity levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase in the diseased fish were significantly increased. The diseased fish suffered obvious damage to many tissues and organs, especially the liver and kidney, showing swelling, hyperemic and inflammatory cell infiltration. E702 was sensitive to antibiotics such as neomycin, cefazolin, norfloxacin, carbenicillin, gentamicin and ciprofloxacin. The study not only proved that S. saprophyticus was responsible for a great deal of hybrid sturgeon deaths, but also shed light on its potential risks in hybrid sturgeon farming. The research results provided the theoretical basis for the diagnosis as well as prevention of this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a compact method to experimentally synthesize a class of vector beam arrays with periodic higher-order Poincaré sphere (HOPS) polarization states by engineering the spatial coherence structure of a partially coherent light source. We demonstrate that the spatial coherence structure and polarization state of the partially coherent source can be simultaneously controlled using a phase-only spatial light modulator and a common-path interferometric arrangement with the aid of a complex-random-mode representation method. We show experimentally that the polarization state of a single HOPS beam in the source plane can be mapped into a beam array generated in the far field, and the degree of polarization of the beam array can be conveniently controlled with spatial coherence engineering. Our method provides an alternative way to synthesize beam arrays with structured coherence and polarization properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic wound treatment has posed a significant challenge in clinical practice. As a kind of cell-derived nanoparticles, extracellular vesicles produced by adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC-EVs) have been reported to be potential agents for diabetic wound treatment. However, ADSC-EV yield is insufficient to meet the demands of clinical therapy. In this study, a novel method involving the use of low-intensity ultrasound stimulation on ADSCs is developed to promote EV secretion for clinical use. A proper low-intensity ultrasound stimulation parameter which significantly increases ADSC-EV quantity has been found. In addition, EVs secreted by ADSCs following low-intensity ultrasound stimulation (US-EVs) are enriched in wound healing-related miRNAs. Moreover, US-EVs promote the biological functions of fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and endothelial cells in vitro, and promote diabetic wound healing in db/db mice in vivo through re-epithelialization, collagen production, cell proliferation, keratinocyte differentiation and migration, and angiogenesis. This study proposes low-intensity ultrasound stimulation as a new method for promoting significant EV secretion by ADSCs and for improving the diabetic wound-healing potential of EVs, which will meet the clinical needs for these nanoparticles. The production of extracellular vesicles of adipose-derived stem cells is obviously promoted by a low-intensity ultrasound stimulation method, and the biological effects of promoting diabetic wound healing were markedly increased in vitro and in vivo [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluorescent chemosensors are powerful imaging tools used in a broad range of biomedical fields. However, the application of fluorescent dyes in bioimaging still remains challenging, with small Stokes shifts, interfering signals, background noise, and self-quenching on current microscope configurations. In this work, we reported a supramolecular cage (CA) by coordination-driven self-assembly of benzothiadiazole derivatives and Eu(OTf)3. The CA exhibited high fluorescence with a quantum yield (QY) of 38.57%, good photoluminescence (PL) stability, and a large Stokes shift (153 nm). Furthermore, the CCK-8 assay against U87 glioblastoma cells verified the low cytotoxicity of CA. We revealed that the designed probes could be used as U87 cells targeting bioimaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

3-nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one (NTO)–based polymer-bonded explosives (PBXs) have been widely used in insensitive munitions, but the main properties of NTO-based PBXs such as compatibility, safety performance, and mechanical properties are rarely reported. In this work, molecular dynamics simulation was carried out to study interface interactions of NTO-based PBXs, in which hydroxy-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB), ethylene–vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), glycidyl azide polymer (GAP), poly-3-nitratomethyl-3-methyl oxetane (Poly-NIMMO), and ester urethane (Estane5703) are selected as binders. The binding energy analysis indicates that the order of compatibility is NTO/GAP > NTO/Estane5703 > NTO/HTPB > NTO/Poly-NIMMO > NTO/EVA. Radial distribution function analysis results show that the interface interaction is mainly the hydrogen bond between H atoms of NTO and O atoms of Estane5703, HTPB, EVA, and Poly-NIMMO or N atoms of GAP. The values of cohesive energy density verify that the safety is NTO/GAP > NTO/Poly-NIMMO > NTO/HTPB > NTO/EVA > NTO/Estane5703. Mechanical properties results show that GAP and EVA would improve the plasticity of the systems effectively. Furthermore, it can be found that the most favorable interactions occur between the NTO (1 0 0) crystal face and binders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

3-Nitro-1,2,4-triazole-5-one (NTO), an excellent insensitive high explosive (IHE), is widely used in insensitive munitions (IMs). In this work, molecular dynamic (MD) was used to study the compatibility, sensitivity and mechanical properties of the interface systems composed of NTO and fluoropolymer binders (F2611, F2614, PVDF, PHFP and Viton A). In particular, given the relatively acidity of NTO explosive, the interactions between NTO and binders were analyzed. The analysis results of the atoms in molecule (AIM) method and independent gradient model based on Hirshfeld partition (IGMH) method show that although the fluorine content in PHFP is high, NTO forms more hydrogen bonds with PVDF, which means that PVDF may play a more positive role in reducing the acidity of NTO. Radial distribution function (RDF) analysis also confirms this conclusion. Besides, the analyses of binding energy and cohesive energy density demonstrate that the predicted results of compatibility and sensitivity of NTO-based PBXs are NTO/PVDF > NTO/Viton A > NTO/F2611 > NTO/F2614 > NTO/PHFP. As far as mechanical properties are concerned, the stiffness, rigidity and fracture strength of the system are significantly improved by adding F2611 and PHFP. There is no doubt that PVDF will reduce the acidity of the system to a greater extent, and in addition, it will significantly improve the compatibility and safety of PBXs systems, while F2611 and PFHP are beneficial to the improvement of its mechanical properties. This will provide valuable theoretical guidance for the selection of binders in NTO-based PBXs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enucleation of Esophageal Leiomyoma Less Than 3 cm: Submucosal Tunneling Endoscopic Resection Versus Thoracoscopic Resection Thoracoscopic resection (TR) has replaced traditional thoracotomy, and recent studies have concluded that submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection (STER) is safe and effective for tumors less than 3 cm in diameter [[2]]. Keywords: Esophageal leiomyoma; Submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection; Thoracoscopy EN Esophageal leiomyoma Submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection Thoracoscopy 777 779 3 04/06/23 20230401 NES 230401 Introduction Because of the potential malignancy of esophageal leiomyoma larger than 2 cm in diameter, appropriate treatment options are needed [[1]]. [Extracted from the article]

In this work, we designed a multi-modal coupled analysis of the DNA-AuNP encoders array in which the DNA-AuNP encoders array reacts with serum specimens in children to generate the three-modal response signals, enabling precise identification of two myocardial function injury diseases in children using a drop of serum. [Display omitted] • Introduces a non-specific system for identifying myocardial function injury in children that breaks the one-to-one biomarker recognition barrier. • Employs a multi-modal coupled analysis algorithm enhancing accuracy of comprehensive analyte information for myocardial injury. • Shifts the screening paradigm for pediatric myocardial injury, offering a generic tool for noninvasive diagnosis. Limited-species serum biomarkers could only partially reflect the information on myocardial function injury disease in children, leading to some important information being inevitably lost, which affects the judgment of the whole information, resulting in a high rate of false positives and negatives. There is a critical unmet need for noninvasive precision screening for myocardial function injury disease in children. Here, we introduced a multi-modal coupled analysis of the DNA-AuNP encoders to achieve this goal. The DNA-AuNP encoders react with the serum specimen from myocardial function injury disease in children to generate the multi-modal response signals, such as the fluorescence spectrum, size distribution, and surface ζ-potential distribution. Interestingly, we used dark-field microscopy to observe the interface changes between the DNA-AuNP encoder and serum at the microscopic level. Different machine learning algorithms analyze the correlation of a clinical outcome with multi-modal response signals from a target disease. As the number of modal response signals increases, our approach monotonically increases screening performance. The three-modal coupled analysis provided an average accuracy of up to 91.7% using 37 serum specimens in children from myocarditis, myocardial injury, and health. This study provides a highly generic tool for noninvasive screening using a drop of serum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) receives low awareness and is undertreated in China. Understanding the burden and treatment of COPD across the nation is important for improving quality of care for this disease. This study aims to reveal the current situation of COPD severity distribution and management across China. Methods: Baseline data from REALizing and Improving Management of Stable COPD in China, a multicentre, prospective, longitudinal, observational study, were analysed. Patients diagnosed with COPD as per Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease 2016 (GOLD 2016) criteria were enrolled from 50 randomly selected hospitals (tertiary, 25; secondary, 25) across six geographical regions. Data were collected in routine clinical settings. Results: Between 30 June 2017 and 29 January 2019, 5013 patients were enrolled and 4978 included in the full analysis set. Of these, 2459 (49.4%) reported ≥ 1 exacerbation within 12 months prior to study enrolment, with a mean annual rate of 0.9/patient, including 0.2/patient and 0.5/patient leading to emergency room visits and hospitalisation, respectively. Spirometry graded 458 (10.1%), 1886 (41.7%), 1558 (34.5%), and 616 (13.6%) were GOLD stage I–IV, and 536 (11.4%), 1034 (22.0%), 563 (12.0%), and 2566 (54.6%) were classified as GOLD 2016 Group A–D, respectively, without evident regional variations. Inhaled corticosteroids plus long-acting beta2-agonist (ICS/LABA, 1316 [26.4%]), ICS/LABA plus long-acting muscarinic antagonist (ICS/LABA + LAMA, 871 [17.5%]), and LAMA (754 [15.1%]) were prescribed at high rates across all groups and regions. Medications not recommended by GOLD were commonly prescribed (TCM, 578 [11.6%]; others, 951 [19.1%]), and 681 (13.7%) were not given ICS or long-acting bronchodilators. Conclusions: Disease burden among Chinese COPD outpatients is high. Improved guideline adherence for COPD treatment is needed. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT03131362. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Redox imbalance is an vital mechanism for COPD. At present, insufficient researches have been conducted on the protective effect of hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) on PM-induced COPD. However, whether H 2 S exerts the anti-injury role by blocking ferroptosis and restoring redox equilibrium remain to be investigated. Human lung tissue samples were collected for IHC staining, and the expressions of Nrf2, ferritinophagy- and ferroptosis-related proteins were observed. The WT C57BL/6 and Nrf2 knockout mice models were established with PM(200 μg per mouse). NaHS(Exogenous H 2 S) was injected intraperitoneally 30 min in advance. Twenty-nine days later, mice lung tissues were evaluated by HE's and PERLS-DAB's staining. Meanwhile, inflammation and oxidative stress indicators and iron levels were assessed by corresponding ELISA kit. Related protein expressions were detected through Western blot. BEAS-2B cells with or without H 2 S were exposed to PM2.5 for 36 h. Cell viability, mitochondrial morphology, inflammatory cytokines, antioxidant factors, iron levels, autophagic flux and the levels of ROS, LIP ROS, MitoROS, MMP, as well as related protein expressions were detected by specific methods, respectively. In addition, V5-Nrf2, Nrf2 siRNA, Nrf2 inhibitor ML385, PPAR-γ inhibitor GW9662, autophagy inhibitor CQ, iron chelator DFO and ferroptosis inhibitor Fer-1 were used to verify the target signaling pathways. We found that the expressions of LIP ROS, ROS, COX2, MDA and other oxidative factors increased, while the antioxidant markers GPX4, GSH and GSH-Px significantly decreased, as well as active iron accumulation in COPD patients, PM-exposured WT and Nrf2-KO mice models and PM2.5-mediated cell models. NaHS pretreatment markedly inhibited PM-induced emphysema and airway inflammation by alleviating ferroptotic changes in vivo and vitro. With the use of V5-Nrf2 overexpression plasmid, Nrf2 siRNA and pathway inhibitors, we found NaHS activates the expressions of Nrf2 and PPAR-γ, and inhibites ferritinophagy makers LC3B, NCOA4 and FTH1 in BEAS-2B cells. Moreover, the anti-ferroptotic effect of NaHS was further verified to be related to the activation of Nrf2 signal in MEF cells. This research suggested that H 2 S alleviated PM-induced emphysema and airway inflammation via restoring redox balance and inhibiting ferroptosis through regulating Nrf2-PPAR-ferritinophagy signaling pathway. Schematic representation of the mechanism of hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) against PM2.5- mediated ferroptotic responses in airway epithelial cells. H 2 S inhibits ferritinophagy signaling via activating Nrf2 and PPAR-γ, in turn suppresses the process of ferroptosis. [Display omitted] • Ferroptosis is involved in the pathogenesis of COPD. • H 2 S inhibites PM2.5-caused emphysema and inflammation by reducing lipid peroxidation-mediated ferroptosis. • H 2 S exerts anti -ferroptotic effect through suppressing ferritinophagy pathway. • H 2 S ameliorates PM2.5-induced ferroptosis through activating Nrf2 and PPAR-γ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: While the prevalence and disease burden of bronchiectasis are increasing, data in the world's largest population are lacking. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and disease burden of bronchiectasis in Chinese adults.Methods: We conducted a population-based study using data between 2013 and 2017 from the national databases of Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance and Urban Resident Basic Medical Insurance in China. Data from over 380 million patients aged 18 years and older during the study period were analyzed, and a total of 383,926 bronchiectasis patients were identified. Primary outcomes included the age- and sex-specific prevalence of bronchiectasis. Annual visits and hospitalizations, as well as annual costs were also calculated.Results: The prevalence of bronchiectasis in Chinese adults increased 2.31-fold, from 75.48 (62.26, 88.69) per 100,000 in 2013 to 174.45 (137.02, 211.88) per 100,000 in 2017. The increase was more remarkable for patients aged over 50 years in both genders. The per-capita total cost and hospitalization cost of patients with bronchiectasis increased 2.18-fold and 1.83-fold from 2013 to 2017, respectively, mostly driven by non-bronchiectasis costs. The average annual hospitalization ranged from 1.20 to 1.24 times during the 5 years.Conclusion: The prevalence and disease burden of bronchiectasis in Chinese urban adults ≥ 18 years had increased significantly between 2013 and 2017. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The airway microbiota plays an important role in asthma pathophysiology. However, the relationship between the airway microbiota and asthma phenotypes is still poorly understood. Objective: We aimed to characterize the airway microbiota in asthma patients and determine its correlation with airway inflammatory phenotypes and other phenotypic characteristics. Methods: The microbial composition of induced sputum specimens collected from asthma patients was determined using 16S rDNA gene sequencing. Results: Patients with asthma had a higher abundance of bacterial taxa associated with Bacteroidetes, Fusobacteria and Proteobacteria and a reduced abundance of Firmicutes and Actinobacteria compared to healthy controls. This study classified the asthma‐associated lung microbiota into three community types based on DMM models, which were defined as three pulmotypes (P1, P2 and P3). The lungs of patients with pulmotype 3 (P3) were dominated by Faecalibacterium and Bacteroides, while patients with pulmotype 1 (P1) had a greater abundance of Pasteurellaceae, Streptococcus and Rothia. P1 patients were older (p =.045) and had lower blood TGF levels (p =.028). P3 patients had fewer eosinophils (p =.016) and more neutrophils (p =.039) in induced sputa than P1 patients. Conclusions: Differences in asthma‐associated airway microbiota pulmotypes are associated with and might influence asthma, particularly inflammatory phenotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) receives low awareness and is undertreated in China. Understanding the burden and treatment of COPD across the nation is important for improving quality of care for this disease. This study aims to reveal the current situation of COPD severity distribution and management across China.Methods: Baseline data from REALizing and Improving Management of Stable COPD in China, a multicentre, prospective, longitudinal, observational study, were analysed. Patients diagnosed with COPD as per Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease 2016 (GOLD 2016) criteria were enrolled from 50 randomly selected hospitals (tertiary, 25; secondary, 25) across six geographical regions. Data were collected in routine clinical settings.Results: Between 15 December 2017 and 6 August 2020, 5013 patients were enrolled and 4978 included in the full analysis set. Of these, 2459 (49.4%) reported ≥ 1 exacerbation within 12 months prior to study enrolment, with a mean annual rate of 0.9/patient, including 0.2/patient and 0.5/patient leading to emergency room visits and hospitalisation, respectively. Spirometry graded 458 (10.1%), 1886 (41.7%), 1558 (34.5%), and 616 (13.6%) were GOLD stage I-IV, and 536 (11.4%), 1034 (22.0%), 563 (12.0%), and 2566 (54.6%) were classified as GOLD 2016 Group A-D, respectively, without evident regional variations. Inhaled corticosteroids plus long-acting beta2-agonist (ICS/LABA, 1316 [26.4%]), ICS/LABA plus long-acting muscarinic antagonist (ICS/LABA + LAMA, 871 [17.5%]), and LAMA (754 [15.1%]) were prescribed at high rates across all groups and regions. Medications not recommended by GOLD were commonly prescribed (TCM, 578 [11.6%]; others, 951 [19.1%]), and 681 (13.7%) were not given ICS or long-acting bronchodilators.Conclusions: Disease burden among Chinese COPD outpatients is high. Improved guideline adherence for COPD treatment is needed. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT03131362. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to establish an easy-to-use screening questionnaire with risk factors and suspected symptoms of COPD for primary health care settings. Based on a nationwide epidemiological study of pulmonary health among adults in mainland China (China Pulmonary Health, CPH study) between 2012 and 2015, participants ≥40 years who completed the questionnaire and spirometry tests were recruited and randomly divided into development set and validation set by the ratio of 2:1. Parameters including sex, age, BMI, residence, education, smoking status, smoking pack-years, biomass exposure, parental history of respiratory diseases and daily respiratory symptoms were initially selected for the development of scoring system. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, area under curve (AUC), positive and negative predictive values were calculated in development set and validation set. After random split by 2:1 ratio, 22443 individuals were assigned to development set and 11221 to validation set. Ten variables were significantly associated with COPD independently in development set after a stepwise selection by multivariable logistic model and used to develop scoring system. The scoring system yielded good discrimination, as measured by AUC of 0.7737, and in the validation set, the AUC was 0.7711. When applying a cutoff point of ≥16, the sensitivity in development set was 0.69 (0.67 − 0.71); specificity 0.72 (0.71 − 0.73), PPV 0.25 (0.24 − 0.26) and NPV 0.94 (0.94 − 0.95). We developed and validated a comprehensive screening questionnaire, COPD-CPHS, with good discrimination. The score system still needs to be validated by large cohort in the future. Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/15412555.2022.2042504. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquaculture confronts an escalating threat from viral infections, necessitating effective strategies to ensure fish health. This study investigated the comprehensive antiviral properties of compound A28 against Micropterus Salmoides Rhabdovirus (MSRV) in largemouth bass. Synthesized as a derivative of arctigenin, A28 was characterized for its inhibitory effects on MSRV at both cellular and organismal levels. To elucidate A28's impact on MSRV, cytotoxicity was gauged using the CCK-8 assay, revealing a safe concentration of 2.5 mg/L for A28 on GCO cell viability. At this concentration, A28 treatment resulted in remarkable inhibition rates, notably 99.14% for the MSRV nucleoprotein (N) gene and 99.46% for the glycoprotein (G) gene expression in GCO cells. Additionally, RT-qPCR analysis demonstrated a dose-dependent inhibition of MSRV genes (N and G) with increasing A28 concentrations. Morphological assessment revealed a reduction in MSRV-induced cytopathic effects in the presence of 2.5 mg/L A28 after 48 h. Intriguingly, preventive and therapeutic experiments underscored A28's dual role against MSRV infection. Water stability assessment indicated a sustained inhibitory effect of A28 on MSRV for approximately 2 days. Notably, A28 demonstrated the capacity to alleviate MSRV-induced nuclear and mitochondrial damage, underscoring its cytoprotective effects. In vivo experiments on largemouth bass revealed that A28 significantly enhanced fish survival rates upon MSRV challenge, with a notable 38% increase following A28 treatment. Concurrently, A28 upregulated fish immune-related genes, furnishing molecular evidence of its immunomodulatory effects. Furthermore, A28 exhibited efficacy in suppressing the horizontal transmission of MSRV in fish, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent in aquaculture settings. In conclusion, compound A28 emerges as a promising antiviral agent against MSRV in largemouth bass, offering insights into its potential application in managing aquaculture diseases. The findings provide a foundation for further research on A28's pharmacokinetics, environmental impact, and scalability for practical aquaculture applications. • Arctigenin derivatives A28 combats MSRV effectively in vitro and in vivo. • A28 inhibits horizontal transmission of MSRV in largemouth bass. • Enhanced immune response in largemouth bass by A28. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A VN62 fluorescent sensor with ESIPT propertywas designed, synthesized and characterized. • VN62 sensor exhibited rapid and stable detection of Al3+ with a remarkable fluorescence enhancement in aqueous solution. • The sensing mechanism of VN62 sensorto Al3+ wasreasonably speculated based on experimental results and theoretical calculations. • VN62 sensor was capable of recognizing Al3+ by test strips and imaging Al3+in plants and living cells. A new acylhydrazone fluorescent sensor (VN62) with excited intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) characteristics has been designed and synthesized through condensation of o -vanillin with 6‑hydroxy-2-naphthoic hydrazide for selective detection of Al3+ in aqueous medium. The structure of the VN62 sensor was characterized by various techniques such as 1H and 13C NMR and mass spectrometry, and also confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The VN62 sensor showed a remarkable fluorescence enhancement response to Al3+ over a broad pH range in a nearly 100 % aqueous solution without interference by most of tested metal ions and anions. Through fluorescence titration and a Job's plot experiment, the binding stoichiometry of VN62 with Al3+ was found to be 1:1. The limit of detection of VN62 toward Al3+ was determined as 39.6 nM and the binding constant was 2.66 × 104 M−1. Comprehensive analyses by HR-MS, 1H NMR and density functional theory calculations illustrated that the VN62 sensor coordinated with Al3+, forming a stable trigonal bipyramid structure complex, which blocked the ESIPT and photoinduced electron transfer processes and simultaneously promoted an intramolecular charge transfer process, thereby leading to strong cyan fluorescence. Moreover, VN62 -loaded test strips were successfully applied for rapid and visual detection of Al3+. Furthermore, the VN62 sensor was used to visualize Al3+in plants and live cells. The results indicated that the VN62 sensor has great potential for detecting Al3+in biological systems. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Observational studies have established a strong association between frailty and obstructive lung diseases. However, the causal nature of this association remains unclear. To address this gap, we conducted a bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) study to investigate the causal relationship between frailty, as measured by the frailty index (FI), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma. The latest meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies for FI, which included individuals of European ancestry from UK Biobank and TwinGene (N = 175,226), yielded the genetic instruments for frailty and outcome summary statistics. The genetic instrument for COPD and asthma, as well as the outcome summary data, were derived from the GWAS conducted on individuals of European ancestry from the FinnGen, with a sample size of 16,410 cases and 283,589 controls for COPD, and 37,253 cases and 187,112 controls for asthma. The analysis of MR was conducted employing the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method, complemented by the weighted median method, MR-Egger regression, and MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO) test. Our results showed that genetically predicted higher FI was significantly associated with increased risk of COPD (odds ratio [OR] 1.75, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.29–2.36) and asthma (OR 2.10, 95 % CI 1.44–3.16). In the reverse direction analysis, genetic liability to both COPD (beta 0.06, 95 % CI 0.01–0.10) and asthma (beta 0.08, 95 % CI 0.06–0.11) showed significant associations with a higher FI. Our research has reinforced the existing evidence supporting a reciprocal causal relationship between frailty and obstructive lung diseases. A deeper comprehension of this interconnection is imperative for the prevention and treatment of obstructive lung diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a new class of light-beam arrays, called orientation-selective elliptic higher-order Poincaré sphere (OS-EHOPS) beam arrays, is introduced as an extension of the scalar case reported in a previous study (Wang et al., 2020). For each beamlet of such beam arrays, the state of polarization represented by higher-/hybrid-order Poincaré spheres is spatially inhomogeneous, whereas the spatial profile takes on an elliptical shape with controllable orientation and ellipticity. The design procedure, which is rooted in multi-coordinate transformations, is comprehensively described and analyzed. Furthermore, we established an experimental setup involving a phase-only spatial light modulator that served as a Dammann grating and a common-path interferometer to effectively generate OS-EHOPS beam arrays. Two types of OS-EHOPS beam arrays, with hexagonal and double-ring-arranged structures, were synthesized to verify the feasibility of our method. Our design and optical system have potential applications in beam shaping and orientation-selective microfabrication. • An orientation-selective elliptic high-order Poincaré sphere (OS-EHOPS) beam arrays is introduced, where the orientation, ellipticity and state of polarization can be customized. • The multi-coordinate transformations are applied to design each beamlet. • A compact yet flexible optical setup is established to generate OS-EHOPS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to particulate matter ≤ 2.5 µm (PM 2.5) is a risk factor for many lung diseases. Although the toxicologic effects of PM 2.5 on airway epithelium are well-described, the effects of PM 2.5 on fibroblasts in the lung are less studied. Here, we sought to examine the effects of PM 2.5 on the differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts. Although a single treatment of fibroblasts did not result in a change in collagen or the myofibroblast marker α-SMA, exposing fibroblasts to sequential treatments with PM 2.5 at low concentrations caused a robust increase in these proteins. Treatment of fibroblasts with IMD0354, an inhibitor to nuclear factor κB, but not with an antagonist to aryl hydrocarbon receptor, abolished the ability of PM 2.5 to induce myofibroblast differentiation. These data demonstrate that potential impact of PM 2.5 to fibroblast activation and fibrosis and support the importance of utilizing low concentrations and varying exposure protocols to toxicologic studies. [Display omitted] • Exposure to PM 2.5 is a risk factor for many lung diseases. • Although the effects of PM 2.5 on epithelium are well-described, the effects of PM 2.5 on fibroblasts are less studied. • Fibroblasts treated repeatedly with low concentrations of PM 2.5 demonstrate increased collagen and α-SMA expression. • This is dependent on activation of nuclear factor κB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the influencing factors of Hantzsch reaction have been investigated and a simple spectrofluorimetric method for the determination of acyclovir, ganciclovir, famciclovir, oxiracetam, and prazosin hydrochloride developed. The proposed method is based on the Hantzsch reaction of acetyl acetone-formaldehyde reagent with drugs. The results indicate that the drugs fluorescence in H2O is inhibited and enhanced in DMSO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The TNT‐RDX‐Al Explosive is an aluminum‐containing mixed explosive often used in civil and military equipment, but the decomposition mechanism has not been theoretically studied. In this paper, the reaction force field containing C/H/O/N/Al parameters was used to simulate the thermal decomposition of the TNT‐RDX‐Al Explosive by reaction kinetics simulation. And the results were compared with the thermal decomposition behaviors of the binary systems TNT/AlO RDX/AlO and TNT/RDX. The partially passivated nano‐aluminum particles were constructed and then mixed with TNT supercell, RDX supercell, and the constructed TNT/RDX supercell. The obtained mixed systems were then heated to a high temperature, where the explosive was completely decomposed. The decomposition process of the TNT‐RDX‐Al Explosive can be divided into several stages: the adsorption of aluminum atoms on TNT molecules and RDX molecules, the diffusion of O atoms into nano aluminum particles, the decomposition of TNT molecules and RDX molecules, the diffusion of C, H, N atoms into the nano aluminum particles, the Al atoms in the center of the aluminum sphere diffuse outward, and the final stage is the formation of the final product. The results show that the aluminum nanoparticles in the ternary system are easier to diffuse and spreads more widely. The addition of RDX molecules advances the time to complete decomposition of TNT molecules, and promotes the time when TNT molecules is completely decomposed to be closer to the time when RDX molecules is completely decomposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1-Methyl-4,5-dinitroimidazole (MDNI)/1-methyl-3,4,5-trinitropyrazole (MTNP) mixtures with different mass ratios were investigated by a combination of theory and experiment. The melting points were predicted using the relationships of specific volume versus temperature, non-bond energy versus temperature, and diffusion coefficient versus temperature, and compared with the experimental values. It was found that the melting point values obtained from the three relationships were in good agreement with the experimentally measured melting points with little error. The interactions between MDNI/MTNP were analyzed by binding energy and RDF, and the results showed that, as the temperature increased, the intermolecular interactions weakened, the binding energy decreased, and the stability of the system decreased. The comprehensive results show that mixture 4 (MDNI/MTNP = 60/40) has a low melting point value and good compatibility, and the detonation velocity and density are improved compared with TNT and MDNI, which is expected to be further applied in melt-cast explosives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optical coherence is a fundamental characteristic of light that plays a significant role in understanding interference, propagation, light–matter interaction, and other fundamental aspects of classical and quantum wave fields. The study of optical coherence has led to a wide range of applications, including optical coherence tomography, ghost imaging, and free-space optical communications. In recent years, the complex spatial structure of optical coherence embedded in partially coherent light beams has garnered increasing attention due to the novel physical effects it induces, such as self-shaping, self-focusing, and self-splitting of beams in free space. Partially coherent light beams with non-classical spatial coherence structures have found use in many innovative applications, including overcoming the classical Rayleigh diffraction limit in optical imaging, reducing the side effects of atmospheric turbulence in free-space optical communications, coherence-based optical encryption, and robust optical signal transmission. In this article, we present a systematic review of the manipulation and measurement of the spatial coherence structure of optical beams, their propagation and light–matter interaction, as well as the applications of partially coherent light beams with structured optical coherence. We begin with the representation of the cross-spectral density function for a partially coherent light beam using Gori's nonnegative definite condition and Wolf's coherent-mode decomposition theory. We then discuss in detail two different strategies for experimentally manipulating the spatial coherence structure, one based on the generalized van Cittert–Zernike theorem and the other on the coherent-mode decomposition theory. Next, we provide an overview of recent progress in measuring the complex spatial coherence structure of partially coherent light beams using methods based on self-referencing holography, generalized Hanbury Brown and Twiss experiment, and incoherent modal decomposition. We study the novel physical properties of partially coherent light beams with non-conventional spatial coherence structures during their propagation in free space and through a highly focused system, as well as their interaction with atmospheric turbulence. We also discuss the effect of structured optical coherence in reducing the negative effects of atmospheric turbulence. Finally, we present the applications of spatial coherence structure engineering in optical imaging, optical encryption, robust information transmission through complex media, particle trapping, refractive index measurement, beam shaping, and ultrahigh precision angular velocity measurement. Optical coherence structure not only provides a new degree of freedom for light manipulation but also offers an effective tool for novel light applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to the ultralong afterglow, room temperature decay phosphorescence nanomaterials have aroused enough attention. In the work, by simple one-pot solid-state thermal decomposition reaction, aggregate carbon dots (CDs) was prepared from trimesic and boric acid. Based on the intermolecular hydrogen bonds and intramolecular π-π stacking weak interaction from precursors, CDs was encapsulated in boron oxide matrix and formed aggregation. The aggregate state of CDs facilitated the triplet excited states (Tn), which could induce the room temperature decay phosphorescence properties. By careful investigation, under different excitation wavelengths at 254 and 365 nm, the aggregate CDs showed > 15 s and > 3 s room temperature phosphorescence emission in the naked eye, which was associated with 1516.12 ms and 718.62 ms lifetime respectively. And the aggregate CDs exhibited widespread application in encoding encryption, optical anti-counterfeiting and fingerprint identification etc. The interesting aggregate CDs revealed unexpected ultralong-afterglow room temperature decay phosphorescence properties and the work opened a window for constructing ultralong-afterglow room temperature decay phosphorescence aggregate CDs nanomaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Designing and synthesis of two new self-assembled materials. • The fuel and oxidant components are separately integrated within an energetic system. • Nitrogen-rich heterocyclic compounds with high densities, heats of formation and detonation performances. The combination of high energetic performance and high stability is an ongoing pursuit in exploring new energetic materials. However, the traditional methods for incorporating fuel and oxidant constituents into a molecule usually give rise to a contradiction between high energy and insensitivity. Now a significant self-assembly strategy was employed to prepare two energetic materials via supramolecular assembly of nitrogen-rich furazan-triazole compound and oxidants. Their supramolecular structures were determined and investigated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The effective self-assembly of 3-amino-4-(4,5-diamino-1,2,4-triazole-3-yl)-furazan (TATF) with oxidants leads to a good balance between energetic performances and stabilities. It is worth noting that the crystal densities and detonation performances of compounds 1 and 2 are higher than those of their precursor TATF. Especially, these materials possess good detonation performances (D: 8725-8817 m·s−1; P: 31.9-32.2 GPa). Meanwhile, these supramolecular assembly energetic materials exhibit higher thermal stabilities and lower mechanical sensitivities than RDX. The high energy and low sensitivity of compounds 1 and 2 indicate that the self-assembly is an effective and facile strategy to construction of advanced energetic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air pollution contributes substantially to the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). To date, the effect of air pollution on oxygen saturation (SpO 2) during sleep and potential susceptibility factors remain unknown. In this longitudinal panel study, real-time SpO 2 was monitored in 132 COPD patients, with 270 nights (1615 h) of sleep SpO 2 recorded. Exhaled nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) and carbon monoxide (CO) were measured to assess airway inflammatory characteristics. Exposure levels of air pollutants were estimated by infiltration factor method. Generalized estimating equation was used to investigate the effect of air pollutants on sleep SpO 2. Ozone, even at low levels (<60 μg/m3), was significantly associated with decreased SpO 2 and extended time of oxygen desaturation (SpO 2 < 90%), especially in the warm season. The associations of other pollutants with SpO 2 were weak, but significant adverse effects of PM 10 and SO 2 were observed in the cold season. Notably, stronger effects of ozone were observed in current smokers. Consistently, smoking-related airway inflammation, characterized by higher levels of exhaled CO and H 2 S but lower NO, significantly augmented the effect of ozone on SpO 2 during sleep. This study highlights the importance of ozone control in protecting sleep health in COPD patients. [Display omitted] • O 3 was associated with decreased SpO 2 during sleep in COPD patients. • The effect of O 3 on sleep SpO 2 was stronger in the warm season. • PM 10 and SO 2 exerted adverse effect on sleep SpO 2 in the cold season. • The effect of O 3 on sleep SpO 2 was stronger in current smokers. • The susceptibility of smokers to O 3 involved neutrophilic airway inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air pollution may be a contributing risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, the health effects of co-exposure to multiple air pollutants on OSA patients remain unclear. To assess the joint effect of multi-pollutant on sleep disordered breathing (SDB) parameters in patients with or without OSA and identify the dominant pollutants. A total of 2524 outpatients from April 2020 to May 2021 were recruited in this cross-sectional study. Ambient air pollutant data were obtained from the nearest central monitoring stations to participants' residential address. SDB parameters were measured by the ApneaLink devices, including apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), hypopnea index (HI), oxygen desaturation index (ODI), average oxygen saturation (SpO 2), percentage sleep time with <90% saturation (T90), and desaturation. Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) was applied to evaluate the effects of multiple pollutants. Significant associations were observed between air pollutants and SDB parameters (including increases in AHI, HI, ODI, and desaturation) among patients with OSA. Co-exposure to air pollutants was positively correlated with AHI, HI, and ODI. PM 10 and O 3 dominated the effects of pollutant mixtures on OSA, with the highest posterior inclusion probability (PIP) values of 0.592 and 0.640, respectively. Stratified analysis showed that, compared to male patients with OSA, stronger effects on the SDB parameters were observed in female patients. Stronger associations were also found in the warm season than those in the cold season. Co-exposure to air pollutants was associated with SDB parameters among patients with OSA, PM 10 and O 3 might play the dominant roles. • The joint effect of multi-pollutants on SDB parameters among patients with or without OSA was estimated. • PM 10 and O 3 played dominant roles in SDB parameters among patients with OSA. • Stronger effects were observed among female patients with OSA and in the warm season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Correction to: Respiratory Research (2022) 23:106 https://doi.org/10.1186/s12931-022-02021-w Following the publication of the original article [[1]], the authors identified errors in the study enrolment dates in the Abstract and Results sections. Reference 1 Yang T, Cai B, Cao B, Kang J, Wen F, Chen Y, Jian W, Shang H, Wang C. Severity distribution and treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in China: baseline results of an observational study. [Extracted from the article]

Studies on the association of greenness with respiratory health are scarce in developing countries, and previous studies in China have focused on only one or two indicators of lung function. The study aims to evaluate the associations of residential greenness with full-spectrum lung function indicators and prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This nationwide cross-sectional survey included 50,991 participants from the China Pulmonary Health study. Lung function indicators included four categories: indicators of obstructive ventilatory dysfunction (FEV 1 , FVC and FEV 1 /FVC); an indicator of large-airway dysfunction (PEF); indicators of small-airway dysfunction (FEF 25–75% and FEV 3 /FEV 6); and other indicators. Residential greenness was assessed by the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). Multivariable linear regression models and logistic regression models were used to analyze associations of greenness with lung function and COPD prevalence. Within the 500 m buffer, an interquartile range (IQR) increase in NDVI was associated with higher FEV 1 (24.76 mL), FVC (16.52 mL), FEV 1 /FVC (0.38), FEF 50% (56.34 mL/s), FEF 75% (33.43 mL/s), FEF 25–75% (60.73 mL/s), FEV 3 (18.59 mL), and FEV 6 (21.85 mL). However, NDVI was associated with lower PEF. In addition, NDVI was significantly associated with 10% lower odds of COPD. The stratified analyses found that the associations were only significant in middle-young people, females, and nonsmokers. The associations were influenced by geographic regions. Residential greenness was associated with better lung function and lower odds of COPD in China. These findings provide a scientific basis for healthy community planning. • The analysis included 50,991 participants from the China Pulmonary Health study. • Greenness was associated with better lung function. • Greenness was associated with lower odds of COPD. • The associations were modified by age, sex, geographic region, and smoking history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]