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At present there is a significant lack of clinical data for patients with surgically resected stage I squamous lung cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of postoperative chemotherapy in this specific population. We retrospectively identified patients who had undergone complete squamous lung cancer resection at the Shanghai Chest Hospital between January 2008 and January 2014. A total of 596 patients (236 stage IA, 360 stage IB) were included in this study. Results demonstrated that adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) could provide longer overall survival for patients with p-stage IB disease (hazard ratio [HR], 0.56; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.34–0.90; p = 0.017). Among p-stage IB patients the ACT-treated cohort trended toward a benefit (HR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.45–1.04) in recurrence-free survival but failed to reach statistical significance (p = 0.076). After propensity score matching the HRs of recurrence-free survival and overall survival were 0.58 (95% CI, 0.35–0.96; p = 0.033) and 0.49 (95% CI, 0.27–0.88; p = 0.017), respectively. With regards to patients with p-stage IA disease, neither overall survival (HR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.34–2.27; p = 0.783) nor recurrence-free survival (HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.38–1.65; p = 0.534) was significantly different when compared between patients receiving ACT and those who did not. Similar results were also achieved after propensity score matching. The data presented herein demonstrated that ACT might provide survival benefits for squamous lung cancer patients with p-stage IB disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

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

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

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

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

Abstract Objectives This study explored the prognostic significance and adjuvant chemotherapy benefits in resected patients with stage I non–small cell lung cancer with lymphovascular invasion. Methods A total of 2633 patients who received complete resection with pathologic stage I non–small cell lung cancer in the Shanghai Chest Hospital (2008-2012) were enrolled in the study, of whom 222 were diagnosed with lymphovascular invasion. By using the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox proportional hazard regression model, we explored the impact of lymphovascular invasion on prognosis and determined if the use of adjuvant chemotherapy is associated with improved outcomes in patients with lymphovascular invasion. A propensity score–matched analysis was implemented to reduce the selection bias. Results Patients with lymphovascular invasion had an unfavorable overall survival and recurrence-free survival in stage I non–small cell lung cancer. Multivariate Cox analysis indicated that lymphovascular invasion was an independent poor prognostic factor for recurrence-free survival (hazard ratio [HR], 2.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.58-2.71; P <.001) and overall survival (HR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.45-2.87; P <.001) in patients with stage I. After using propensity score–matched pairs, analysis of 65 pairs of patients with lymphovascular invasion indicated a beneficial recurrence-free survival (HR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.16-0.67; P =.002) and overall survival (HR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.12-0.74; P =.009) from adjuvant chemotherapy. Conclusions Lymphovascular invasion was correlated with poor prognosis in patients with stage I non–small cell lung cancer. For such patients, adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with improved survival. Our study suggests that adjuvant chemotherapy might be an appropriate option for patients with stage I non–small cell lung cancer with lymphovascular invasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To evaluate the prognostic significance and beneficiaries of adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) in various histological patterns of stage IB lung adenocarcinoma according to the 8th tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) classification. Methods A total of 1131 patients with pathological stage IB lung adenocarcinoma according to the 8th TNM classification who underwent lobectomy or segmentectomy were enrolled in this study. Based on the proportion of solid/micropapillary components, the patients were classified into 3 groups: solid/micropapillary-negative (SMPN) (n = 719; median survival, 49.7 months; interquartile range [IQR]. 35.1-67.0 months), solid/micropapillary-minor (SMPM; >5% but not predominant) (n = 272; median survival, 38.8 months; IQR, 26.6-51.5 months) and solid/micropapillary-predominant (SMPP; >5% and the most dominant) (n = 140; median survival, 39.6 months; IQR, 26.8-52.5 months). The predictors of disease-specific survival and recurrence-free survival were investigated. To reduce selection bias, propensity score-matching analysis was implemented before survival data were compared. Results Our data show significant differences in survival rates based on the proportion of solid/micropapillary patterns. The SMPM group had significantly higher cumulative incidences of lung cancer–specific death ( P = .000) and recurrence ( P = .000) compared with the SMPN group, so did the SMPP group when compared with SMPM patients ( P = .000 for both). Multivariate analysis showed that the SMPM and SMPP patterns were poor prognostic factors for disease-specific survival (hazard ratio [HR], 1.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12-3.09 and HR, 4.56; 95% CI, 2.69-7.71, respectively) and recurrence-free survival (HR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.20-2.24 and HR, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.64-3.60, respectively), as were older age, male sex, smoking history, larger tumor size, necrosis, and abnormal pulmonary function. Survival analysis stratified by histological pattern showed that patients with the SMPP pattern who received ACT had obviously lower cumulative incidences of lung cancer–specific death (HR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.22-0.93; P = .031) and recurrence (HR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.26-0.88; P = .017). Conclusions Solid/micropapillary patterns were associated with poor prognosis, even if they were not predominant. ACT contributed to survival benefits in the SMPP subgroup of patients with stage IB lung adenocarcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

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

Background: The consistency of cardiovascular risk reduction by antidiabetes medications across racial and ethnic groups remains unclear. The aim of this study was to analyze racial/ethnic patterns in the results of cardiovascular outcomes trials of antidiabetes medications in people with type 2 diabetes.Method: PubMed and Cochrane library databases were searched from the inception dates to December 2020. Cardiovascular outcome trials in type 2 diabetes that randomized participants to antidiabetes medication or control treatment and reported results by race/ethnic groups or region were included.Results: A total of 19 studies were included in this meta-analysis. Among White participants, treatment with antidiabetes medications significantly decreased the risk of composite cardiovascular outcomes when compared with placebo treatment (OR = 0.88, 95% CI 0.83-0.94, p < 0.05). Among Asian participants, antidiabetes medications also significantly decreased the risk of composite cardiovascular outcomes when compared with control treatment (OR = 0.80, 95% CI 0.74-0.86, p < 0.05). A similar pattern was found when analyzing the effects of antidiabetes medications vs. control treatment in other racial/ethnic groups comprising mostly Hispanics and Pacific Islanders (OR = 0.87, 95% CI 0.78-0.98, p < 0.05). However, among Black participants, treatment with antidiabetes medications resulted in nominal but non-significant decreases in the composite cardiovascular outcomes when compared with control treatment (OR = 0.84, 95% CI 0.62-1.14, p = 0.26).Conclusions: The present meta-analysis showed cardiovascular safety of antidiabetes medications in people with type 2 diabetes from all racial/ethnic groups studied; however, significant composite cardiovascular risk reductions were demonstrated only in White and Asian participants. To determine whether antidiabetes drugs confer consistent cardiovascular benefits in Black and other racial/ethnic participants requires more investigations in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Denosumab or romosozumab treatment did not increase the risk of composite CV outcomes, 3 P MACE, and specific cardiovascular events among elderly men and postmenopausal woman with osteoporosis. • Romosozumab might increase 4 P MACE among elderly men and postmenopausal woman with osteoporosis. • For composite CV endpoints, denosumab or romosozumab treatment did not increase the risk in any of the subgroup analyses regardless of sex, the control treatment, BMD T-score, and follow-up duration. • Studies with longer term follow-up and specific attention to cardiovascular events may enhance our understanding of denosumab or romosozumab therapy. Osteoporosis and cardiovascular (CV) diseases are closely correlated. RANKL/RANK/OPG pathway and Wnt signalling pathway both implicated in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases. We aimed to investigate the effect of denosumab or romosozumab therapy on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with primary osteoporosis. PubMed, Cochrane library, and EMBASE databases were systematically searched from the inception dates to June 4, 2019. Randomized clinical trials evaluating the effect of denosumab or romosozumab versus active comparators or placebo for at least 6 months in patients with primary osteoporosis or osteopenia were included. Two investigators independently extracted data for study characteristics, outcomes of interest, and risk of bias in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. 17 relevant studies (denosumab: n = 11, 13615 participants; romosozumab: n = 6, 12219 participants) were included. No associations between denosumab therapy and risk of a composite cardiovascular outcome (1.06 [95 % CI, 0.88–1.28], p = 0.54), three-point major adverse cardiovascular event (3P MACE, 1.01 [95 % CI, 0.83–1.23], p = 0.93), and four-point major adverse cardiovascular event (4P MACE, 0.99 [95 % CI, 0.83–1.18], p = 0.89) were identified. Romosozumab therapy did not increase the risk of composite cardiovascular outcome (1.26 [95 % CI, 0.95–1.68], p = 0.11), and 3P MACE (1.41 [95 % CI, 0.99–2.02], p = 0.06), while increased the risk of 4P MACE (1.39 [95 % CI, 1.01–1.90], p = 0.04) among elderly men and postmenopausal woman with osteoporosis over a period of 12–36 months. Denosumab or romosozumab did not increase or reduce specific cardiovascular outcomes, including CV death or death, myocardial infarction, stroke, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, aortic and intracranial aneurysm, aortic dissection, aortic valve disease and hypertension (all p ＞0.05). Sensitivity analysis conducted by random effects model altered the result of 4 P MACE in romosozumab (1.36 [0.99–1.87], p = 0.06). No other significant difference was detected in the sensitivity analyses and subgroup analyses. Denosumab therapy was not associated with any risk of composite and specific cardiovascular outcomes among patients with primary osteoporosis than active comparators or placebo, while romosozumab therapy might increase the risk of 4 P MACE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Cs 3 Bi 2 Cl 9 quantum dot-loaded (BiO) 2 CO 3 heterojunction catalyst was constructed. • The charge transfer channels and direction at the hybrid interface were revealed. • The charge carrier separation and interfacial delivery were highly promoted. • The conversion of intermediates has been highly improved on this heterojunction. • Efficient and safe photocatalytic purification of NO was achieved. We report a series of Cs 3 Bi 2 Cl 9 /(BiO) 2 CO 3 (labeled as C-B-X, X = 0.5, 1, 3) heterojunctions synthesized by the ectopic precipitation method. Density functional theory calculation cooperated with experimental results reveals the high-efficiency electron transport between (BiO) 2 CO 3 and Cs 3 Bi 2 Cl 9 , resulting in an internal electric field at interfaces and efficiently separating the charge carriers, thus promoting more photo-induced charge to participate in the photocatalytic process. Electron spin resonance results unveil a higher amount of OH and O 2 − formation on C-B-1 heterojunction benefited from the highly efficient charge delivery under visible light irradiation. In situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy studies verify the effective improvement in NO adsorption/activation and reaction intermediates conversion after constructing the hybrid interface. These factors synergistically enable the NO purification rate of C-B-1 higher than (BiO) 2 CO 3 by 35.0%. This endeavor gives original insights into the mechanism of interfacial charge separation in perovskite quantum dot-based heterogeneous structures and provides a new perspective for promoting safe and potent air pollution control with photocatalytic technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]