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N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent internal RNA modification in mammals. However, limited research has been conducted on the role of m6A in coronary artery disease (CAD). We conducted methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing and RNA sequencing to obtain a genome‐wide profile of m6A‐modified long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in human coronary artery smooth muscle cells either exposed to oxidized low‐density lipoprotein treatment or not, and the characteristics of the expression profiles were explored using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses. The predictive effects of seven selected lncRNAs on CAD were evaluated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The differentially m6A‐modified and expressed lncRNAs related genes were predominantly enriched in small GTPase‐mediated signal transduction, ErbB signaling, and Rap1 signaling. Additionally, the expression levels of uc003pes.1, ENST00000422847, and NR_110155 were significantly associated with CAD, with uc003pes.1 identified as an independent risk factor and NR_110155 as an independent protective factor for CAD. NR_110155 and uc003pes.1 in PBMCs have the potential to serve as biomarkers for predicting CAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth of newly formed particles through new particle formation (NPF) contributes a significant fraction to the cloud condensation nuclei, yet the driving mechanisms remain unclear, especially for polluted environments. To investigate the potential species contributing for nanoparticle growth in environments with significant anthropogenic influences, we measured the hygroscopicity of newly formed particles at 20–40 nm at a rural observational site in the North China Plain during winter 2018. Our results demonstrate that these particles were not very hygroscopic, with the mean hygroscopicity parameter κ of 0.13 ± 0.09. Clear differences in the inferred κ of the growing material responsible for the growth were observed among different events, indicating that even at the same region, the compounds driving particle growth may not be identical. This may be synergistically influenced by the NPF precursors, oxidants and meteorological conditions, suggesting complex mechanisms might co‐exist behind nanoparticle growth in polluted environments. Plain Language Summary: Particles newly formed through nucleation grow large enough to become cloud condensation nuclei which influences climate. However, the driving mechanisms and the key contributing species for nanoparticle growth are poorly understood. Here, we present direct measurements of the hygroscopicity of particles through new particle formation (NPF) that occurred in a rural environment in the North China Plain (NCP) during wintertime of 2018. Relatively low hygroscopicity of these newly formed particles were observed, suggesting less water‐soluble compounds drove the growth there. We also found that the hygroscopicity of the growing material responsible for nanoparticle growth was not identical on different NPF days. Our results reveal that the compounds driving the growth varied with different NPF conditions, deepening our understanding of nanoparticle growth in polluted environments. Key Points: Particles with sizes at 20–40 nm formed through new particle formation (NPF) are not very hygroscopic at rural North China Plain (NCP)The hygroscopicity parameter κ of the growing material varied from ∼0 to ∼0.1 among NPF eventsPrecursors, oxidants and meteorological conditions may synergistically determine the chemical compounds responsible for particle growth [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding aerosol‐cloud interactions under pristine atmospheric conditions is crucial for meaningful global climate change predictions. However, ability of aerosol particles to act as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) activity of aerosols in pristine atmosphere remains limited, mainly because of the difficulty of measuring it in pristine environments. Given the extremely low CCN number concentration under low supersaturations (SSs) and the complex impact of the kinetic limitation in CCN measurements, size‐resolved CCN activity measurements at low SSs cannot be achieved with traditional methods using differential mobility analyzers and a CCN counter (CCNC) because of the low sample efficiency and the impact of particles with multiple charges. To overcome this difficulty, we propose a new method for measuring size‐resolved CCN activity at low aerosol number concentrations. The new method is based on a combined system comprising an aerodynamic aerosol classifier (AAC) and a CCNC (AAC‐CCNC system). A control program was developed to achieve high‐resolution scans of the SS and particle size within a reasonable time frame. A data inversion scheme, including corrections for the transfer function and kinetic limitation, was developed to obtain accurate size‐resolved CCN activity. In July‐August 2022, the new method was used to measure the size‐resolved CCN activity on the Tibetan Plateau. This new method can advance the size‐resolved CCN measurements, thereby enhancing our understanding of aerosol‐cloud interactions in pristine atmosphere. Plain Language Summary: Cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) are the aerosols which can form cloud droplets. Assessing the ability of aerosols to serve as CCN (CCN activity) is fundamental for understanding the interactions between aerosol and clouds and their impacts on climate and precipitation. Particularly in regions with minimal human influence, such as polar areas and the Tibetan Plateau, the low aerosol concentration makes aerosol‐cloud interaction and its climate impact highly sensitive to aerosol CCN activity. However, traditional CCN activity measurement techniques are not applicable at conditions of extremely low aerosol concentrations, restricting the understanding of aerosol‐cloud interactions and their impacts in those regions. In this study, we developed a new system for CCN activity measurements at low aerosol concentration and corresponding data processing algorithm based on a particle size selection technique distinct from that used in traditional systems. The new system was successfully deployed in a field experiment conducted in Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau in summer 2022. Comparison with CCN concentration measurement indicates that the uncertainty of the CCN activity measurement is within a reasonable range. Notably, this marks the first instance of online measurement of particle size‐resolved CCN activity in the hinterland of the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau. Key Points: A new aerodynamic aerosol classifier‐cloud condensation nuclei counter (AAC‐CCNC) system is developed for measureing size‐resolved cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) activity under low supersaturated conditions in pristine atmospheresUncertainty correction relating to the impact of kinetic limitations in the CCN counter and the transfer function of the AAC is developedThe AAC‐CCNC system is successfully deployed for size‐resolved CCN activity measurements in the Tibetan Plateau [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Hypertension poses a major threat to human health, and inflammation is associated with hypertension. The monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) represents a new inflammatory indicator. However, the relationship between the MHR and hypertension remains unclear. The present study investigated the association of MHR with hypertension. Method. For this cross-sectional study, we continuously collected data from the Physical Examination Centre of the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University (N = 6632). The data included patients' demographic information and clinical information including blood pressure, blood biochemical measurements, and MHR. The relationship between the MHR and hypertension was examined using different methods in univariate and multivariate logistic analysis, smooth function analysis, the threshold saturation effect analysis and subgroup analysis. Results. The results showed that MHR was positively associated with hypertension without adjustment (odds ratio [OR] = 1.10, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08–1.12, P < 0.001). The positive association still existed in minimally and fully adjusted models (OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.06–1.10, P < 0.001 ; OR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.05–1.10, P < 0.001). Smooth function analysis of a generalized additive model revealed a continuous positive linear association between the MHR and hypertension throughout all MHR data (OR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.05–1.10, P < 0.001). Subgroups analysis showed the homogeneity of the positive association among different subgroups. Conclusions. A continuous positive linear association was found between the MHR and hypertension in a health examination population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The survey found that in recent years, with the incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) increasing, some patients with CKD even progressed to end-stage renal disease. Luckily, progressive hemodialysis technology and nursing level can improve the quality of life and prognosis of patients. Objective. To explore the application of plan-do-check-adjust (PDCA) cycle in the management of nurses in hemodialysis center and its effect on the maintenance of internal fistula in patients. Methods. In this study, a randomized controlled trail (RCT) was used to select 90 patients who underwent maintenance hemodialysis in the hemodialysis center of our hospital from January 2018 to June 2021 as objects. They were divided into a PDCA group (with PDCA nursing management) and routine group (with routine nursing management) by random number table with each of 45 cases for 6 months to compare the differences of the internal fistula complications, internal fistula maintenance quality, patients' microinflammatory state, and satisfaction with nursing, as well as nursing staff's operational and theoretical performance between the two groups. Results. There was no significant difference in CRP, IL-1, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels between the two groups before intervention (P > 0.05); after that, these levels in the PDCA group were lower than those in the routine group, with statistically significant difference (P < 0.05); before intervention, there was no statistically significant difference in the qualification rate of blood flow, the awareness rate of health education, and the incidence of nursing defects between the two groups (P > 0.05); after that, the qualification rate of blood flow and the awareness rate of health education among nurses in PDCA group were higher than those in routine group, while the incidence of nursing defect accidents in the PDCA group was lower than that in routine group, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05); before intervention, there was no significant difference in the complication rate between the two groups (P > 0.05); after that, the complication rate of the PDCA group was lower than that of the routine group, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05); after intervention, the theoretical assessment and practical skills assessment scores of the PDCA group were higher than those of the routine group, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05); after intervention, the nursing satisfaction of the PDCA group was higher than that of the routine group, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion. The application of PDCA approach in the management of nurses in hemodialysis centers can effectively improve the quality of internal fistula management and improve the practical and theoretical level of nurses, as well as reduce the microinflammation of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple renal cyst (SRC) may increase the risk for hypertension. The authors examined the relationship between a SRC and hypertension in participants receiving physical examinations at Hebei Medical University. This study enrolled 66 883 participants who received physical examinations at our center from January 2012 to December 2017. Demographic data, medical history related to hypertension, hematological indexes, hypertension, and SRC subtype based on ultrasound examinations were examined. The relationship between SRC and hypertension was analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis in different models. Subgroup analysis and propensity score (PS) matching were also performed. Based on SRC subtype (unitary vs. multiple, small vs. large, unilateral vs. bilateral), a comprehensive scoring system was established to determine the effect of SRC load on hypertension. The results of univariate and multivariate analysis indicated that SRC was a risk factor for hypertension (P <.01). Subgroup and interaction analysis showed the homogeneity that SRC was an independent risk factor for hypertension in multiple subgroups (P >.05). A SRC remained an independent risk factor for hypertension after PS matching (P <.01). Based on a scoring system that considered different SRC subtypes, the risk for hypertension increased with renal cyst load (P <.01). In conclusions, a SRC was an independent risk factor for hypertension, and there was a positive correlation between SRC load and hypertension. The risk of hypertension increased gradually with the size, number, and location of a SRC. Careful follow‐up or excision should be considered for patients with SRCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ratio of monocyte to high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol level (MHR) was a newly proposed inflammatory and oxidative stress marker. This study aimed to explore the association between MHR and Brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity (Ba‐PWV) in adult Chinese participants. A total of 2029 participants were divided into two groups according to the Ba‐PWV: a high Ba‐PWV group (Ba‐PWV ≥1400 cm/s) and a low Ba‐PWV group (Ba‐PWV < 1400 cm/s). According to the cut‐off points of quartile of MHR, the participants were divided into four groups. The relationship between MHR and Ba‐PWV was analyzed. After adjusting for potential confounders, a non‐linear relationship between MHR and Ba‐PWV was found in the participants, and the inflection point was 7.78 in the non‐linear curve. On the left of the inflection point, MHR had a positive correlation with Ba‐PWV (OR = 1.17, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08 to 1.28, p < 0.01). However, there was no obvious relationship between MHR and Ba‐PWV on the right of the inflection point (OR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.90 to 1.01, p = 0.117). Further demographic analysis demonstrated that the positive relationship between MHR and Ba‐PWV was found in the female participants with hypertension family history, but without a current history of hypertension, smoking, or drinking (p < 0.05). An increased MHR is a risk factor of atherosclerosis, which may predict the potential development of atherosclerosis. When the MHR is close to 7.78, it has the highest predictive value for the risk of atherosclerosis occurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study we report on the clinical and autoimmune characteristics of severe and critical novel coronavirus pneumonia caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome‒associated coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). The clinical, autoimmune, and laboratory characteristics of 21 patients who had laboratory‐confirmed severe and critical cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) from the intensive care unit of the Huangshi Central Hospital, Hubei Province, China, were investigated. A total of 21 patients (13 men and 8 women), including 8 (38.1%) severe cases and 13 (61.9%) critical cases, were enrolled. Cough (90.5%) and fever (81.0%) were the dominant symptoms, and most patients (76.2%) had at least one coexisting disorder on admission. The most common characteristics on chest computed tomography were ground‐glass opacity (100%) and bilateral patchy shadowing (76.2%). The most common findings on laboratory measurement were lymphocytopenia (85.7%) and elevated levels of C‐reactive protein (94.7%) and interleukin‐6 (89.5%). The prevalence of anti‒52 kDa SSA/Ro antibody, anti‒60 kDa SSA/Ro antibody, and antinuclear antibody was 20%, 25%, and 50%, respectively. We also retrospectively analyzed the clinical and laboratory data from 21 severe and critical cases of COVID‐19. Autoimmune phenomena exist in COVID‐19 subjects, and the present results provide the rationale for a strategy of preventing immune dysfunction and optimal immunosuppressive therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel coronavirus pneumonia, first identified in Wuhan City and referred to as COVID‐19 by the World Health Organization, has been quickly spreading to other cities and countries. To control the epidemic, the Chinese government mandated a quarantine of the Wuhan city on January 23, 2020. To explore the effectiveness of the quarantine of the Wuhan city against this epidemic, transmission dynamics of COVID‐19 have been estimated. A well‐mixed "susceptible exposed infectious recovered" (SEIR) compartmental model was employed to describe the dynamics of the COVID‐19 epidemic based on epidemiological characteristics of individuals, clinical progression of COVID‐19, and quarantine intervention measures of the authority. Considering infected individuals as contagious during the latency period, the well‐mixed SEIR model fitting results based on the assumed contact rate of latent individuals are within 6–18, which represented the possible impact of quarantine and isolation interventions on disease infections, whereas other parameter were suppose as unchanged under the current intervention. The present study shows that, by reducing the contact rate of latent individuals, interventions such as quarantine and isolation can effectively reduce the potential peak number of COVID‐19 infections and delay the time of peak infection. Highlights: A novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID‐19) has been quickly spreading to other cities and countries.We aim to explore the effectiveness of the quarantine of the Wuhan city against this epidemic by using a well‐mixed "susceptible exposed infectious recovered" (SEIR) compartmental model.Interventions such as quarantine and isolation can effectively reduce the potential peak number of COVID‐19 infections and delay the time of peak infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2017, the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) updated the Guideline of Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Management and Management of High Blood Pressure (HBP) in Adults. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the potential impact of the 2017ACC/AHA HBP guideline on hypertension prevalence, awareness, and control rates. The data were collected from Physical Examination Center of the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University from January 2012 to December 2017 (N = 66 977), including demographic information and risk factors of hypertension. The hypertension prevalence, awareness, and control rates of people were evaluated according to the new guideline. Additionally, the factors related to hypertension prevalence were also assessed. According to previous HBP guideline, hypertension prevalence, awareness, and control rate were 30.54%, 44.33%, and 13.04%, respectively. However, when the 2017 ACC/AHA HBP guideline was introduced, the population with hypertension increased from 20 453 to 34 460, the hypertension prevalence rate increased from 30.54% to 51.45%, the awareness rate decreased from 44.33% to 26.31%, and the control rate declined from 13.04% to 2.72%. The most newly diagnosed hypertension patients were from the low-risk population with young age and without the above histories. The 2017ACC/AHA HBP guideline indicated that high hypertension prevalence rate still existed with a substantial increase, while the awareness and control rates were relatively lowered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brown carbon (BrC) affects the Earth's radiative balance due to its strong light absorption at short wavelengths. A custom‐made combustion chamber was used to simulate biomass and coal burning and to investigate the emission characteristics of BrC absorption. Absorption Ångström exponents (AAEs) at the wavelength pair of 370 and 880 nm ranged from 1.19 to 3.25, suggesting the possible existence of BrC in biomass‐ and coal‐burning emissions. Based on the assumption that AAEBC = 1.0, BrC from biomass burning contributed to 41–85% of the total particles light absorption at 370 nm, which is much higher than that from coal burning (15–18%). The estimated absorption emission factors of BrC at 370 nm for biomass and coal burning were 15–47 and 2–13 m2/kg, respectively. A 10 × 10 km gridded BrC optical emission inventory for biomass and coal burning in China for 2015 was developed based on the measured absorption emission factors of BrC values and high‐resolution activity data. The total annual BrC absorption cross section emissions from biomass and residential coal burning were 4,194 Gm2 (relative uncertainty at the 95% confidence level of −33.2, 41.2%) and 615 Gm2 (−39.3, 40.1%), respectively. These results should be useful for improving estimates of the radiative effects of BrC in China. Key Points: Brown carbon contributes 15–18% to the total particles light absorption at 370 nm from residential coal burning based on AAEBC = 1.0Residential coal burning has lower absorption emission factors of brown carbon at 370 nm than biomass burningHigh‐resolution maps of optical emission inventories for biomass and residential coal burning were developed for China [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An intensive measurement campaign was conducted in Beijing during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit 2014 to investigate the effectiveness of stringent emission controls on aerosol optical properties and direct radiative forcing (DRF). Average values of PM2.5, light scattering ( bscat), and light absorption ( babs) coefficients decreased by 40, 64, and 56%, respectively, during the APEC control period compared with noncontrol periods. For the APEC control period, the PM2.5 mass scattering and absorption efficiencies were both smaller than the noncontrol period by a factor of ~2. Calculations based on a revised IMPROVE method and linear regression showed that sulfate, nitrate, organic matter, elemental carbon, and fine soil contributed comparably to the light extinction coefficient ( bext) in both periods, but the bext values were 27-64% lower during the APEC period. A positive matrix factorization receptor model showed that bext from two secondary aerosol sources, biomass burning, traffic-related emissions, and coal burning decreased by 26-87% during the APEC control period. The average DRF calculated from the Tropospheric Ultraviolet and Visible radiation model was −11.9 and −4.6 W m−2 at the surface during the noncontrol and APEC control periods, respectively, suggesting an overall cooling effect. The reduction of DRF from each emission source ranged from ~30-80% during the APEC control period. The results suggest that the pollution control measures implemented for APEC substantially reduced air pollution and could help mitigate the cooling effects of aerosols at the surface in Beijing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]