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Aims: The goal of this study was to assess the effects of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors activation on heart rate variability (HRV) and susceptibility to atrial fibrillation (AF).Methods and Results: Rats were randomized for treatment with saline, NMDA (agonist of NMDA receptors), or NMDA plus MK-801 (antagonist of NMDA receptors) for 2 weeks. Heart rate variability was evaluated by using implantable electrocardiogram telemeters. Atrial fibrillation susceptibility was assessed with programmed stimulation in isolated hearts. Compared with the controls, the NMDA-treated rats displayed a decrease in the standard deviation of normal RR intervals, the standard deviation of the average RR intervals, the mean of the 5-min standard deviations of RR intervals, the root mean square of successive differences, and high frequency (HF); and an increase in low frequency (LF) and LF/HF (all P< 0.01). Additionally, the NMDA-treated rats showed prolonged activation latency and reduced effective refractory period (all P< 0.01). Importantly, AF was induced in all NMDA-treated rats. While atrial fibrosis developed, connexin40 downgraded and metalloproteinase 9 upgraded in the NMDA-treated rats (all P< 0.01). Most of the above alterations were mitigated by co-administering with MK-801.Conclusion: These results indicate that NMDA receptors activation reduces HRV and enhances AF inducibility, with cardiac autonomic imbalance, atrial fibrosis, and degradation of gap junction protein identified as potential mechanistic contributors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jinchun Wu and Tao Liu contributed equally to the study as the first authors Correction: Cardiovascular Diabetology (2022) 21:197 https://doi.org/10.1186/s12933-022-01614... Following publication of the original article [[1]], the author noticed the error in Fig. Reference 1 Wu J, Liu T, Shi S, Fan Z, Hiram R, Xiong F, Cui B, Su X, Chang R, Zhang W, Yan M, Tang Y, Huang H, Wu G, Huang C. Dapaglifozin reduces the vulnerability of rats with pulmonary arterial hypertension-induced right heart failure to ventricular arrhythmia by restoring calcium handling. Correction: Dapaglifozin reduces the vulnerability of rats with pulmonary arterial hypertension-induced right heart failure to ventricular arrhythmia by restoring calcium handling. [Extracted from the article]

Sluggish oxygen evolution kinetics and serious charge recombination restrict the development of photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. The advancement of novel metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) catalysts bears practical significance for improving PEC water splitting performance. Herein, a MOF glass catalyst through melting glass‐forming cobalt‐based zeolitic imidazolate framework (Co‐agZIF‐62) was introduced on various metal oxide (MO: Fe2O3, WO3 and BiVO4) semiconductor substrates coupled with NiO hole transport layer, constructing the integrated Co‐agZIF‐62/NiO/MO photoanodes. Owing to the excellent conductivity, stability and open active sites of MOF glass, Co‐agZIF‐62/NiO/MO photoanodes exhibit a significantly enhanced photoelectrochemical water oxidation activity and stability in comparison to pristine MO photoanodes. From experimental analyses and density functional theory calculations, Co‐agZIF‐62 can effectively promote charge transfer and separation, improve carrier mobility, accelerate the kinetics of oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and thus improve PEC performance. This MOF glass not only serves as an excellent OER cocatalyst on tunable photoelectrodes, but also enables promising opportunities for PEC devices for solar energy conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report tunable electroluminescence (EL) from solution-processed ZnCuInS/ZnS (ZCIS/ZnS) quantum dots (QDs)/poly(9-vinlycarbazole) multilayer films. The EL spectra exhibit a red shift as the QD layer thickness increases. By analyzing the dependence of the applied voltage and the ZCIS/ZnS QD layer thickness on the EL spectra, the origin of the red shift is associated with the increased trap density of QDs that induces the injected electrons to be trapped in the deep donor level. The current conduction mechanism based on the current density–voltage curves at different voltage regions was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cu 2 O films were electrodeposited on ZnO nanorod arrays (NRs) and the Cu 2 O/ZnO NRs heterojunctions were formed. The optical-electronic response of the heterojunctions was investigated. The diameter size and crystal quality of ZnO NRs were modified by the seed layer. ZnO NRs with good crystal quality were obtained on the 0.5% Al doped ZnO seed layer film (named as AZO (0.5%)). The devices based on the Cu 2 O/ZnO NRs heterojunction exhibit excellent stability and reproducibility of the self-powered photoresponse properties. The device with AZO (0.5%) seed layer demonstrates the high photoresponsivity of 60–70 mA/W in the violet and blue light with a fast response speed at zero applied bias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • ZnO/BiFeO 3 heterojunction photodetectors demonstrate self-powered, dual-wavelength and polarization-sensitive photoresponse at ultraviolet and visible regions. • Tuning of the built-in electric field (E bi) at the ZnO/BiFeO 3 heterojunction interface and the spontaneous polarization ferroelectric field (E PS) of BiFeO 3 by optimizing the thickness of the BiFeO 3 films. • Expanding photodetectors array cells for polarization light imaging applications using the polarization-sensitive properties of BiFeO 3 films. The ferroelectric-photovoltaic (FE-PV) devices have received growing attention for the FE polarization-induced internal electric field to facilitate the separation and transport of the photogenerated electron-hole (e-h) pairs in the FE semiconductors. However, the low photocurrent output of the FE-PV devices is still a key challenge for the application and development of these devices. Here, ZnO/BiFeO 3 (BFO) heterojunction photodetectors (PDs) are designed to utilize the built-in electric field at the heterojunction interface of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs)/BFO and the spontaneous FE polarization field of BFO to promote the separation and transport of the photogenerated carriers. ZnO nanorod arrays (NRs) grown on ZnO NPs provide a directional transport channel for the photogenerated electrons. ZnO/BFO heterojunction devices demonstrate a self-powered photoresponse in the ultraviolet (UV) and visible (vis) dual-wavelength. The devices show a responsivity of 1.32 mA/W, response time (τ rise /τ decay) of 12.6/44.9 ms at 420 nm light illumination. In addition, the polarization imaging function of ZnO/BFO PDs is explored by extending the polarization photocurrent mapping values of a single PD unit to a complex array of optical information image processing utilizing the polarization-sensitive properties of BFO without external bias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Cu x In 2-x S 2 /TiO 2 heterojunctions photodetectors demonstrate self-powered dual-wavelength photoresponse at UV and Vis regions. • The enhanced E b of Cu x In 2-x S 2 /TiO 2 heterojunctions realize through Cu x In 2-x S 2 Fermi energy level modification. • The Cu/In stoichiometric ratio in Cu x In 2-x S 2 film can regulate energy band structure, then optical and electronic properties. • The element stoichiometric ratio of Cu x In 2-x S 2 film deposited by solvothermal method were discussed in the growth process. Self-powered photodetectors (PDs) play an important role in future optoelectronic devices due to their unique advantages of low energy consumption, independent operation, easy miniaturization and integration. The II-type Cu x In 2-x S 2 /TiO 2 heterojunctions (0.8 ≤ x ≤ 1.1) PDs demonstrate self-powered dual-wavelength photoresponse at UV and visible regions. The Cu/In ratio in Cu x In 2-x S 2 films can regulate the energy band structure, then the optical and electronic properties. With the Cu/In ratio increasing, the optical band-gap narrows and Fermi energy level reduces for Cu x In 2-x S 2 films, resulting in the increased built-in electric field and the decreased interface transfer resistance for Cu x In 2-x S 2 /TiO 2 heterojunctions, which can promote the separation and transmission efficiency of the photogenerated carriers and significantly improved the self-powered PDs performance. The optimized PDs with Cu 1.1 In 0.9 S 2 /TiO 2 heterojunctions exhibit the maximum responsivity (R) of 0.79 A/W, detectivity (D*) of 4.6 × 1012, linear dynamic range (LDR) of 88 dB and sensitivity (S) of 2.6 × 104 under UV light illumination and zero bias. The Cu x In 2-x S 2 /TiO 2 PDs hold potential prospects in dual-wavelength optoelectronic applications in self-powered systems and processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TiO 2 /PbS(CdS) quantum dots (QDs) bulk heterojunction has been fabricated by successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction method via alternate deposition of PbS and CdS QDs. In comparison with TiO 2 /PbS heterojunction, the incident photon to current conversion efficiency was increased almost 50% in the visible region. Meantime, the short-circuit current and open-circuit voltage were enhanced 200% and 35% respectively. The influence mechanism of CdS is related to reduction of trap state density at TiO 2 /PbS interface and PbS QDs surface by the discussion of the dark current density–voltage curves, the transient photocurrent response curves and the electrochemical impedance spectra spectroscopy (EIS). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-powered ultraviolet photodetectors (UV PDs) are urgently needed for portable, sustainable, maintenance free, and long-term applications. The geometry of device structure and interface energy band arrangement will affect the photoresponse performance of heterojunction PDs. In this work, a self-powered UV PDs based on match like quasi one-dimensional TiO 2 /NiO core-shell heterojunction arrays is fabricated by RF magnetron depositing NiO over TiO 2 NRs. By controlling sputtering power, NiO(50 W)/TiO 2 , NiO(80 W)/TiO 2 and NiO(120 W)/TiO 2 devices were obtained. Under self-powered mode, the performance of PDs is carefully explored and the NiO (80 W)/TiO 2 device displays a large photocurrent (1.2 ×10−6 A) and a high responsivity (74 mA/W) at 380 nm light irradiation. The results presented in this work suggest that a comprehensive consideration and a reasonable optimization of interface energy level structure and carrier transmission is the important for developing high-performance self-powered UV PDs. • Self-powered UV photodetectors based on n-TiO2/p-NiO core-shell heterojunction arrays were fabricated. • The energy band structure and optical and electrical properties of NiO can be changed by controlling the sputtering power. • The photodetector performance is enhanced by optimization of interface energy structure and carrier transport properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have been acknowledged as a potential platform for heterogeneous photoredox cross-coupling due to their excellent chemical stability, admirable controllability, and extremely prominent surface area. However, synthesizing COFs with bidentate ligand units and utilizing active sites remain a grand challenge. Herein, we report a promising new family of 2,6-pyridinedicarboxaldehyde-bis-(p-aminophenylimine)-based two-dimensional (2D) COFs (PP-COF) using an amine monomer and classic tri-aldehydes. On this basis, dispersed Ni single-atom sites were immobilized on three-types imine-based bi-coordinated 2D COFs (Ni SAS-PP-COF) as heterogeneous dual photoredox catalysts for photo/Ni dual-catalyzed C–N cross-coupling between aryl bromides and alkyl/sulfo amines. Under solar energy irradiation, PP-COF could absorb light to generate electrons and holes, then the photogenerated electrons are transferred to Ni sites to reduce divalent nickel to monovalent nickel. Monovalent nickel is necessary to drive the nickel catalytic cycle. Due to the increased charge separation and abundant active sites, the state-of-the-art Ni SAS-PP-COFs catalyst achieves excellent catalytic performance in comparison of pristine PP-COF. The heterogeneous Ni SAS-PP-COF catalytic system not only confirms the prospect of COFs as potential photoredox/transition-metal dual catalysts, but also provides in-depth insights into the synthesis of functional COFs toward practical metallaphotocatalytic application. [Display omitted] ● Three-types imine-based bi-coordinated 2D COFs were synthesized. ● Heterogeneous catalysts exhibits high activity for photo/Ni dual-catalyzed C–N cross-coupling. ● The reaction substrate has good compatibility. ● This performance is ascribed to increased charge separation and abundant active sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: It has been reported that patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) are prone to developing ventricular arrhythmias. Moreover, the Sigma-1 receptor not only plays a crucial role in MDD but has also been shown to have antiarrhythmic properties. The Sigma-1 receptor is a common receptor related to depression and ventricular arrhythmias. Objective: We analyzed the effects of the Sigma-1 receptor on depression and ventricular repolarization-related ion remodeling in MDD rats. Methods: MDD was induced in rats by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS), and 28 days later, the rats were subjected to behavior tests. Protein expression was measured by western blotting, and cardiac morphological changes were observed by Masson staining. Electrophysiological measurement of the myocardium was performed with the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Results: Compared with the control rats, the MDD rats exhibited lower transient outward potassium current (Ito) and L-type calcium current (ICa-L) amplitudes. On the other hand, a trend of depolarization of Ito and hyperpolarization of ICa-L was observed in the MDD rats. Thus, we investigated the effect of fluvoxamine, a Sigma-1 receptor agonist, on Ito and ICa-L. Fluvoxamine enhanced Ito and altered its current kinetics, as shown by acceleration of activation and recovery from inactivation. In contrast, fluvoxamine inhibited the Ca2+ by hyperpolarizing the steady-state activation of ICa-L. All these effects were blocked by BD1047. Conclusion: Taken together, our results indicate that Sigma-1 receptor modulates the functions of Ito and ICa-L to possibly exert antiarrhythmic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A write-once–read–many-times (WORM) electrical bistable device was fabricated utilizing hybrid quaternary Zn-Cu-In-S nanocrystals (ZCIS NCs) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) as active layer. A low turn-on voltage of 1.0 V and the maximum ON/OFF current ratio of 4×10 3 were found from current-voltage (I-V) characteristics. The current stability in the ON and OFF state has a fluctuation loss less than 5% in the measurement duration of 10 4 s. The electron transport and memory mechanism are described based on the fitted I-V curves and the energy band diagrams. The conduction models in the OFF state from 0 V to 1.1 V are described as thermionic emission (TE), space-charge-limited current (SCLC) and Fowler–Nordheim (FN) tunneling, respectively. And the Ohmic conduction dominates when the device is transited to the ON state at the voltage over 1.1 V. The high-density defects in quaternary ZCIS NCs and the high barrier between ZCIS NCs and the PMMA are considered to contribute to the electron retention behavior. For device performance optimization, an additional PMMA layer is pre-deposited on the ITO substrate surface. The 50% reduction at turn-on voltage and over 50 times enhancement in ON/OFF ratio are reasonably attributed to the better film quality and decreased series resistance from the decrease of root-mean-square average surface roughness (RMS) of the ITO surface from 0.877 to 0.216 nm. The better retention capacity is considered to relate to thickened tunnel barrier by PMMA inserted layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanical compressive force tailor the conjugated structure of g-C 3 N 4 at N–C 3 bridging cites into NH x and C–OH groups, which extends π-electron delocalization by formation of p-π conjugate structure and promotes photocarriers transfer and separation by formation of in-plane and interlayer charge transfer channels, therefore obtaining an excellent photoactivity for H 2 evolution. [Display omitted] • Pressure partially breaks N–C 3 bridging bonds of g-C 3 N 4 into NH x and C–OH groups. • N–C 3 breaking of g-C 3 N 4 promotes π-electron delocalization and carriers transfer. • Improved delocalization and separation of carriers favours for efficient H 2 evolution. Conjugated structure modulation is an effective strategy for improving the photocatalytic activity of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4). Herein, we report a facile mechanical pressure method for extending the π-electron delocalization of g-C 3 N 4. Experiments and theoretical calculations confirmed that the pressure applied to g-C 3 N 4 can reduce the interlayer distance and partly break the N–C 3 bridging bonds of the periodic melon units into –NH x and –C–OH groups. These structural changes result in extended π-electron delocalization in g-C 3 N 4 , a smaller bandgap, and the formation of in-plane/interlayer charge transfer channels, which improve the generation and separation of photoinduced carriers. Consequently, the pressure treated g-C 3 N 4 exhibits better and recyclable H 2 evolution rates of 3.55 mmol∙(g∙h)−1 and 0.76 mmol∙(m2∙h)−1 divided by weight and specific surface area, respectively, which outperform pristine g-C 3 N 4 by 3 and 25 times, respectively. This study sheds light on the effect of pressure on the structural, optical, and electrical properties of g-C 3 N 4 and provides a window to engineer conjugated molecular structures for solar energy conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Self-powered photodetectors based on BiOCl /TiO 2 were fabricated. • Heterojunction interface optimization improves carrier separation and transport at the interface. • Appropriate carrier transport path facilitates carrier transport and improves device performance. For low-energy photoelectric devices, it is essential to develop self-powered photodetectors (PDs), because it can work independently, wirelessly and sustainably. The heterojunction PDs based on BiOCl nanoflakes (NFs) and anatase TiO 2 film fabricated by the hydrothermal method demonstrate the excellent ultraviolet (UV) photoresponse properties without external power supply. The strong built-in electric field formed at the heterojunction interface and the efficient carrier transmission characteristic of TiO 2 film can improve the self-powered performance of PDs. The optimized heterojunction device with TiO 2 film grown for 1.75 h exhibits a high photocurrent-to-dark current ratio of 103, responsivity of 0.17 A/W, remarkable detectivity of 1.3 × 1012 Jones, linear dynamic range of 70 dB and fast response speed of 23 ms under 0 V bias and weak UV light irradiation (340 nm, 0.18 mW/cm2). These results demonstrate that the BiOCl/TiO 2 heterojunction devices have great application potential in the future UV communications systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High levels of circulating catecholamines are related to raise risk of cardiac arrhythmias. In addition, our recent studies have suggested that pinocembrin could decrease the susceptibility to arrhythmias in several rat models, including chronic ischemic heart failure, myocardial infarction and depression. In this research, the effects of pinocembrin on ventricular fibrillation (VF) susceptibility were investigated in rats treated with isoproterenol (ISO) and further explored the possible mechanism. Cardiac remodeling was induced by intraperitoneally injection ISO (5 mg/kg) 7 days. Simultaneously, Rats were received pinocembrin (5 mg/kg) or saline by tail vein injection. The effects of pinocembrin were evaluated by electrocardiogram parameters, ventricular electrophysiological parameters, echocardiographic, western blot, ventricular histology, biochemical examinations. In vitro, we cultured H9C2 cardiomyocytes to further define the mechanisms. Compared with ISO group, pinocembrin remarkably decreased VF inducibility rate, attenuated the shortening of QT and corrected QT (QTc) interval, action potential duration (APD), ventricular effective refractory period (ERP), and increased the protein levels of Kv4.2 and Kv4.3 and Cav1.2 and decreased phosphorylated Ca2+ calmodulin-dependent kinase Ⅱ (p-CaMK Ⅱ). Pinocembrin also alleviated ventricular fibrosis, hypertrophy and increased expression of connexin protein 43 (Cx43). In addition, pinocembrin markedly downregulated levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2), oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and increased the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) levels in circulation and cardiac tissue. Pinocembrin reduced the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Furthermore, after treatment of pinocembrin the content of NADPH Oxidase-4 (NOX4) and NADPH Oxidase-2 (NOX2) was significantly lower and the level of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) was significantly higher. In vitro, we found that Nrf2 inhibitor remarkably reduced the antioxidant effects of pinocembrin, which further demonstrated that the effect of pinocembrin was related to activation of Nrf2. Our data demonstrate that pinocembrin decreases ventricular electrical remodeling, ion remodeling, ventricular fibrosis, hypertrophy and suppresses isoproterenol-induced oxidative stress. The findings shown that pinocembrin mediates antiarrhythmic effects in rats with isoproterenol-induced cardiac remodeling related to Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies have shown that, with its excellent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, pinocembrin can reduce the occurrence of arrhythmia in myocardial infarction rats. However, whether it can alleviate lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced myocardial injury in rats has not been reported. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate whether pinocembrin could alleviate myocardial injury and arrhythmia in rats with sepsis. Rats were intraperitoneally injected with LPS to simulate animal sepsis, and the caudal vein was injected with pinocembrin or normal saline for intervention. Transthoracic echocardiography, inflammatory factors, electrophysiological recording, histological analysis, and western-blot analysis were performed. Compared with the control group, the rats in the LPS group had myocardial injury and cardiac dysfunction, and the incidence of ventricular arrhythmia increased. In addition, LPS resulted in the increase of p-c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), p-p38 proteins in the myocardium, the levels of inflammatory factors in the blood and the apoptosis rate of left ventricular cardiomyocytes. And all these adverse effects were eliminated, thus confirming that pinocembrin has an excellent protective effect on the heart. Reducing the inflammatory response and cell apoptosis by inhibiting p38/JNK mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, pinocembrin can alleviate myocardial injury, cardiac dysfunction, and ventricular arrhythmia induced by LPS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction of surface defects on semiconductor oxide photoanodes has been identified as a promising route for attaining improved photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance. Here, Ar plasma treatment has been used to etch the surface of hydrothermally synthesized WO 3 nanoplate array films, which generated surface oxygen vacancies (O v s) with the concomitant reduction of surface W6+ to W5+/W4+. As a result, the visible-light absorption and photogenerated charge separation of WO 3 was enhanced, as evidenced by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV/Vis diffuse-reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. A WO 3 photoanode subjected to Ar plasma treatment for 120 s exhibited a photocurrent density of 1.32 mA cm−2 and an O 2 evolution rate of 1.0 μmol cm−2·min−1 under simulated solar light irradiation at a bias potential of 1.23 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode, approximately 1.7- and 5-times higher, respectively, than those of a pristine sample. This improvement is mainly attributed to the facilitative effect of surface oxygen vacancy defects, which promote electron–hole generation and separation rates and decrease the interfacial charge-transfer resistance between the WO 3 photoanode and electrolyte. Our Ar plasma surface modification also has potential for developing other photoanodes for efficient PEC performance. Ar plasma treatment introduces surface oxygen vacancies on a WO 3 photoanode, which promote e−/h+ generation and transfer, thereby improving PEC performance. Image 1 ● Ar plasma treatment introduces surface oxygen vacancies (O V) and W5+/W4+ defects on WO 3 nanoplate arrays. ● Surface defects extend light absorption and promote e−/h+ generation and transfer. ● Surface O V and W5+/W4+ defects endow WO 3 nanoplate arrays with improved photoelectrochemical performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to assess the effect of sigma-1 receptor (S1R) stimulation on ventricular remodeling and susceptibility to ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) after myocardial infarction (MI) in rats. Wild-type male rats were placed into one of the following four treatment groups. For four weeks, animals in the Sham group and MI group received intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of 0.9% saline (1 ml/kg/day); those in the MI + F group received fluvoxamine (FLV) (0.3 mg/kg/day); and those in the MI + F + BD group received FLV plus BD1047 (0.3 mg/kg/day). After that, the ventricular electrophysiological parameters were measured via the langendorff system. Ventricular fibrosis quantification was determined with Masson staining. Cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiography. The protein levels of S1R, connexin (Cx)43, Cav1.2, Kv4.2, Kv4.3, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), nerve growth factor (NGF), growth-associated protein 43 (GAP43) were detected by Western blot assays. Our results indicated that fluvoxamine significantly prolonged the ventricular effective refractory period (ERP), shortened action potential duration (APD), reduced susceptibility to VAs after MI. Masson staining showed a decrease in ventricular fibrosis in the MI + F group. Furthermore, the contents of Cx43, S1R, Cav1.2, Kv4.2, Kv4.3 were increased in the MI + F group compared with the MI group (all P < 0.05). The contents of TH, NGF, GAP43 were reduced in the MI + F group compared with the MI group. (all P < 0.05). However, BD1047 reduces all of these effects of FLV. The results suggest that S1R stimulation reduces susceptibility to VAs and improves cardiac function by improving myocardial fibrosis, lightning sympathetic remodeling, electrical remodeling, gap junction remodeling and upregulating S1R content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study was to investigate what effects the sigma-1 receptor (S1R) could exert on the cardiac myocyte ion channels in a rodent model of depression and to explore the underlying mechanisms since depression is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases including ventricular arrhythmias (VAs). To establish the depression model in rats, chronic mild unpredictable stress (CMUS) for 28 days was used. The S1R agonist fluvoxamine was injected intraperitoneally from the second week to the last week for 21 days in total, and the effects were evaluated by patch clamp, western blot analysis, and Masson staining. We demonstrated that depression was improved after treatment with fluvoxamine. In addition, the prolongation of the corrected QT (QTc) interval under CMUS that increased vulnerability to VAs was significantly attenuated by stimulation of S1R due to the decreased amplitude of L-type calcium current (I Ca-L) and the restoration of reduced transient outward potassium current (I to) resulting from CMUS induction. The S1R also decelerated I to inactivation and accelerated I to recovery by activating Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase II. Moreover, the stimulation of S1R ameliorated the structural remodeling as the substrate for maintenance of VAs. All these effects were abolished by the administration of S1R antagonist BD1047, which verified the roles for S1R. Activation of S1R could decrease the vulnerability to VAs by inhibiting I Ca-L and restoring I to , in addition to ameliorating the CMUS-induced depressive symptoms and structural remodeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the sigma-1 receptor (S1R) on atrial fibrillation (AF) susceptibility in rats. Rats were randomly assigned into three groups for intraperitoneal treatment with saline (CTL group), BD1047 (an antagonist of the S1R, BD group) or BD1047 plus fluvoxamine (an agonist of the S1R, BD + F group) for 4 weeks. The heart rate variability (HRV) and atrial electrophysiological parameters were measured via the PowerLab system and analyzed by LabChart 8.0 software. Atrial histology was determined with Masson staining. The protein levels of connexin (Cx) 40, Cav1.2, S1R, eNOS, p-eNOS, and p-AKT were detected by western blot assays. Our results showed that BD1047 significantly shortened the atrial effective refractory period (ERP) and action potential duration (APD), increased AF inducibility and duration, augmented sympathetic activity, depressed parasympathetic activity, and reduced heart rate variability (HRV) compared with the CTL group. Masson staining also showed a significant increase in atrial fibrosis in the BD group. Furthermore, the expressions of S1R, Cx40, Cav1.2, p-eNOS, and p-AKT were dramatically reduced in the BD group compared with the CTL group (all P < 0.01). However, fluvoxamine administration mitigated most of the abovementioned alterations. Our findings indicated that S1R inhibition contributed to atrial electrical remodeling, cardiac autonomic remodeling and atrial fibrosis, which could be attenuated by fluvoxamine, thus providing new insights into the relationship between the S1R and AF. • The sigma-1 receptor (S1R) inhibition increased atrial fibrillation susceptibility in rats. • The S1R inhibition promoted cardiac autonomic remodeling. • The S1R inhibition exacerbated atrial electrical remodeling. • The S1R inhibition increased atrial fibrosis. • Fluvoxamine benefited atrial arrhythmias probably by upregulating the S1R and activating the eNOS/AKT pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Research on food addiction has increased significantly in recent years. It has been demonstrated that food addiction can lead to impairments in physiological, psychological, and social functioning in individuals. However, there is a lack of studies investigating the influence of how individuals handle social situations on food addiction and the specific mechanisms involved., Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 1,151 university students, with a mean age of 21.44 ( SD  = 4.77) years. The sample comprised 74.46% female and 25.54% male students. Participants completed the Chinese version of the modified Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0, the Social Physique Anxiety Scale, the Expressive Suppression Scale, and the Social Avoidance and Distress Scale. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 26.0 and the Process (Version 3.4) plug-in., Result: The results of the study supported our hypothesis that the association between social physique anxiety and food addiction symptoms could be partially explained by expressive suppression and social avoidance and distress. This association remained significant even after adjusting for covariates such as gender, number of cigarettes smoked per day, bedtime, education, and BMI. Specifically, more severe social physique anxiety was found to be associated with frequent use of expressive suppression and social avoidance and distress, which in turn was associated with more severe food addiction symptoms., Conclusion: This study explored the role of expression suppression and social avoidance and distress in the relationship between social physique anxiety and food addiction symptoms. The findings provide a theoretical basis for developing interventions for food addiction in college students. These interventions could include helping students develop a healthy perception of body image, encouraging emotional expression, and promoting active social participation to reduce food addiction symptoms., Competing Interests: The authors declare there are no competing interests., (©2024 Li et al.)

Photodetectors (PDs) with broadband photoresponse can meet the demand for multiband detection in complex environments, overcoming the technological complexity issue of integrated narrow-band PDs. Self-powered heterojunction PDs having ultraviolet-visible-near-infrared broadband photoresponse were constructed by using SnO 2 nanopillars and CuInS 2 nanoflakes. The dimension, crystalline quality, and energy level structure of the SnO 2 nanopillars were regulated by changing the concentration of Sn ions in the precursor solution. The optimized interfacial energy band structure of the heterojunction can increase the transfer ability of the photogenerated carrier. The optimum performance is achieved for the CuInS 2 /SnO 2 (0.025M) PD prepared at 0.025 M Sn ion concentration in the precursor solution with the responsivities of 1.15, 6.13, and 1.02 mA/W, and detectivities of 1.19 × 10 10 , 6.35 × 10 10 , and 1.02 × 10 10 Jones under 254 nm solar-blind ultraviolet light, 475 nm visible light, and 940 nm near-infrared light. Furthermore, a proof-of-concept solar-blind ultraviolet-visible-near-infrared encrypted communication system utilizing a broadband self-powered CuInS 2 /SnO 2 PD as the receiving terminal and solar-blind ultraviolet light, ultraviolet light, visible light, and near-infrared light as the carrier and encryption protocol is proposed. The PD has great potential for applications in the field of encrypted optical communication.

In this work, we report the design and fabrication of self-powered binary response PDs based on II-type heterostructures consisting of SnS x nanoflakes (NFs) and rutile TiO 2 nanorod arrays (NRs). The TiO 2 NRs effectively block light with wavelengths below 400 nm from reaching SnS x . Under 385 nm light, the photoelectrons in TiO 2 recombine with holes in SnS x at the interface due to the energy band bending, resulting in a positive photocurrent. Under 410 nm light, the photoelectrons in SnS x and the photogenerated holes in TiO 2 accumulate at the interface, overcoming the interfacial potential barriers induced by the higher Fermi levels of SnS x and inducing a negative photocurrent. Based on the bipolar response, the dual-band imaging capability without external filters and the light-encrypted OR, AND, and NOT logic gates using a single device are demonstrated. This work provides a blueprint for the development of multifunctional self-powered PDs that can simplify system architecture, reduce the energy consumption, and improve accuracy for applications, such as visual systems, light-controlled logic circuits, and encrypted optical communications., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background: The latest information regarding the awareness of atrial fibrillation (AF) remains limited in China., Objectives: The present study aimed to understand the variation and disparity in awareness of AF in China., Methods: The cross-sectional study used data from the 2020 nationwide epidemiology survey on AF among adults aged 18 years or older in mainland China to assess the prevalence of AF awareness. The awareness of AF diagnostic methods and outcomes was also assessed using an interviewer-administered questionnaire., Results: Of the 114,039 adults responding to the survey, 1463 (age-standardized prevalence, 55.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 47.7-62.9%) and 10,202 (8.2%, 95%CI 5.4-10.9%) were aware of AF in participants with and without AF, respectively. Of these, 36.4% (95%CI 30.0-42.9%) and 6.3% (95%CI 3.6-9.1%) considered electrocardiogram as a method of diagnosing AF, and 30.0% (95% CI 3.2-8.2%) and 5.2% (95%CI 2.7-7.6%) considered stroke as an outcome of AF. The proportion of participants who being aware of AF varied significantly across sociodemographic and cardiovascular disease subgroups, and was almost consistently lower in rural areas than those in urban areas. Overall, lack of AF awareness was associated with rural areas, geographical region, lower education levels, and without history and had no risk factors of cardiovascular disease., Conclusions: Nearly half of adults with AF, and >90% non-AF population are unaware of AF in China, with significant variation and disparity. Focused public health initiatives are needed to improve awareness and knowledge of AF among high-risk populations., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest All authors have no conflict to disclose., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells provide a promising solution for the synthesis of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ). Herein, an integrated photocathode of p-type BiVO 4 (p-BVO) array with tetragonal zircon structure coupled with different metal oxide (MO x , M = Sn, Ti, Ni, and Zn) heterostructure and NiNC cocatalyst (p-BVO/MO x /NiNC) was synthesized for the PEC oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in production of H 2 O 2 . The p-BVO/SnO 2 /NiNC array achieves the production rate 65.46 μmol L -1 h -1 of H 2 O 2 with a Faraday efficiency (FE) of 76.12%. Combined with the H 2 O 2 generation of water oxidation from the n-type Mo-doped BiVO 4 (n-Mo:BVO) photoanode, the unbiased photoelectrochemical cell composed of a p-BVO/SnO 2 /NiNC photocathode and n-Mo:BVO photoanode achieves a total FE of 97.67% for H 2 O 2 generation. The large area BiVO 4 -based tandem cell of 3 × 3 cm 2 can reach a total H 2 O 2 production yield of 338.84 μmol L -1 . This work paves the way for the rational design and fabrication of artificial photosynthetic cells for the production of liquid solar fuel.

Regulation of charge transport at the molecular level is essential to elucidating the kinetics of junction photoelectrodes across the heterointerface for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water oxidation. Herein, an integrated photoanode as the prototype was constructed by use of a 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin-cobalt molecule (CoTCPP) and ZnO on hematite (α-Fe 2 O 3 ) photoanode. CoTCPP molecules serve as a typical hole transport layer (HTL), accelerating the transport of the photogenerated holes to oxygen evolution cocatalysts (OECs). Meanwhile, ZnO as the surface passivation layer (SPL) can passivate the interfacial state and reduce the level of electron leakage from hematite into the electrolyte. After the integration of OECs, the state-of-the-art α-Fe 2 O 3 /ZnO/CoTCPP/OECs photoanode exhibits a distinguished photocurrent density and excellent stability in comparison with pristine α-Fe 2 O 3 . The simultaneous incorporation of a ZnO and CoTCPP dual interlayer can effectively modulate the interfacial photoinduced charge transfer for PEC reaction. This work provides in-depth insights into interfacial charge transfer across junction electrodes and identifies the critical roles of solar PEC conversion.

In this paper, self-powered photodetectors (PDs) with a dual-band photoresponse and excellent photodetection capabilities in complex environments can meet the needs of diverse detection targets, complex environments and diverse tasks. Herein, Bi 2 O 3 nanosheets were deposited on the surface of TiO 2 nanorod arrays (NRs) by chemical bath deposition (CBD) to construct self-powered heterojunction PDs with a UV-blue dual-band photoresponse. The nucleation and growth of Bi 2 O 3 nanosheets on TiO 2 NRs substrates were controlled by varying the concentration of the complexing agent triethanolamine (TEA) in the precursor solution, which regulated the morphology, crystalline quality and energy band structure as well as the photoelectronic properties of Bi 2 O 3 films. The devices fabricated at a TEA concentration of 0.3 M exhibited excellent self-powered UV-blue dual-band photoresponse characteristics, achieving a photocurrent ( I ph ) of 144 nA, a responsivity of 1.79 mA W -1 and a detectivity of 5.94 × 10 10 Jones under 405 nm illumination at 0 V, which can be attributed to the large built-in electric field ( E b ) of Bi 2 O 3 /TiO 2 heterojunctions, the low interfacial transfer resistance and suitable carrier transport path. In addition, Bi 2 O 3 /TiO 2 heterojunction PDs with the UV-blue dual-band photoresponse characteristics can be applied in UV-encrypted visible light communication (VLC) with a light-controlled logic gate to improve the security of information transmission.

One-dimensional (1D) metal oxides with excellent carrier transport and light absorption properties can be applied to photodetectors (PDs), facilitating device miniaturization, portability, and integration. Surface modification of 1D semiconductors can reduce carrier recombination in PDs as a way to increase photocurrent and decrease dark current of PDs. Herein, ultrathin BaTiO 3 (BTO) shell layers are grown on the surface of TiO 2 nanorod arrays (NRs) by in situ conversion using hydrothermal reaction, and the self-powered TiO 2 -BTO NRs PDs are constructed. The effect of the thickness of BTO shell layers on the photoresponse characteristics of self-powered TiO 2 -BTO NRs PDs is investigated by controlling the Ba 2+ conversion concentration. The results show that the BTO shell layer reduces the dark current of the PDs because of the decreased interfacial transfer resistance and improved transfer of photogenerated carriers for building a "bridge" of carrier transport between BTO and TiO 2 due to the formation of Ti-O-Ti bonds. Moreover, the presence of the spontaneous polarization electric field in BTO enhances the photocurrent and response speed of PDs. The self-powered TiO 2 -BTO NRs PDs are integrated in series and parallel to realize the functions of "and" and "or" gates of light-controlled logic gates. The ability to convert light signals into electrical signals for the self-powered PDs in real time demonstrates its great potential for optoelectronic interconnection circuits, which has important application prospects in the field of optical communication.

Background: Long-term β-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) activation can impair myocardial structure and function. Dapagliflozin (DAPA) has been reported to improve clinical prognosis in heart failure patients, whereas the exact mechanism remains unclear. Here, we investigated the effects of DAPA against β-AR overactivation toxicity and explored the underlying mechanism. Methods and Results: Rats were randomized to receive saline + placebo, isoproterenol (ISO, 5 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneally) + placebo, or ISO + DAPA (1 mg/kg/day, intragastrically) for 2-week. DAPA treatment improved cardiac function, alleviated myocardial fibrosis, prevented cardiomyocytes (CMs) apoptosis, and decreased the expression of ER stress-mediated apoptosis markers in ISO-treated hearts. In isolated CMs, 2-week ISO stimulation resulted in deteriorated kinetics of cellular contraction and relaxation, increased diastolic intracellular Ca 2+ level and decay time constant of Ca 2+ transient (CaT) but decreased CaT amplitude and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca 2+ level. However, DAPA treatment prevented abnormal Ca 2+ handling and contractile dysfunction in CMs from ISO-treated hearts. Consistently, DAPA treatment upregulated the expression of SR Ca 2+ -ATPase protein and ryanodine receptor 2 (RyR2) but reduced the expression of phosphorylated-RyR2, Ca 2+ /calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), and phosphorylated-CaMKII in ventricles from ISO-treated rats. Conclusion: DAPA prevented myocardial remodeling and cardiac dysfunction in rats with β-AR overactivation via restoring calcium handling and suppressing ER stress-related CMs apoptosis.

Background: Malignant ventricular arrhythmia (VA) is a major contributor to sudden cardiac death (SCD) in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)-induced right heart failure (RHF). Recently, dapagliflozin (DAPA), a sodium/glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor (SGLT2i), has been found to exhibit cardioprotective effects in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction. In this study, we examined the effects of DAPA on VA vulnerability in a rat model of PAH-induced RHF., Methods: Rats randomly received monocrotaline (MCT, 60 mg/kg) or vehicle via a single intraperitoneal injection. A day later, MCT-injected rats were randomly treated with placebo, low-dose DAPA (1 mg/kg/day), or high-dose (3 mg/kg/day) DAPA orally for 35 days. Echocardiographic analysis, haemodynamic experiments, and histological assessments were subsequently performed to confirm the presence of PAH-induced RHF. Right ventricle (RV) expression of calcium (Ca 2+ ) handling proteins were detected via Western blotting. RV expression of connexin 43 (Cx43) was determined via immunohistochemical staining. An optical mapping study was performed to assess the electrophysiological characteristics in isolated hearts. Cellular Ca 2+ imaging from RV cardiomyocytes (RVCMs) was recorded using Fura-2 AM or Fluo-4 AM., Results: High-dose DAPA treatment attenuated RV structural remodelling, improved RV function, alleviated Cx43 remodelling, increased the conduction velocity, restored the expression of key Ca 2+ handling proteins, increased the threshold for Ca 2+ and action potential duration (APD) alternans, decreased susceptibility to spatially discordant APD alternans and spontaneous Ca 2+ events, promoted cellular Ca 2+ handling, and reduced VA vulnerability in PAH-induced RHF rats. Low-dose DAPA treatment also showed antiarrhythmic effects in hearts with PAH-induced RHF, although with a lower level of efficacy., Conclusion: DAPA administration reduced VA vulnerability in rats with PAH-induced RHF by improving RVCM Ca 2+ handling., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Objective: To summarize the clinical characteristics of patients with Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) from China and compare these features with patients from Europe/North America. Methods: We reviewed case reports published between 1990 and 2020 with the key words of "Takotsubo syndrome" "stress cardiomyopathy" "apical balloon syndrome" and "broken heart syndrome", in Wanfang, CNKI, Pubmed and Web of Science databases, and 1 294 articles were identified, including 128 articles reporting 163 cases in China and 1 166 articles reporting 1 256 cases in Europe/North America. The characteristics of demographics, triggers, symptoms, electrocardiogram, echocardiography, left ventriculogram,coronary angiography, treatment and prognosis were analyzed and compared between Chinese and European/North American cases. Results: A total of 1 294 articles (1 419 cases: 163 from China, 1 256 from Europe/North America) were included in the final analysis. The characteristics of Chinese cases included: (1) demographic:the age was (59.6±16.9) years, which was similar with that of European/North American ((59.7±17.4) years, P =0.90), and female accounting for 78.5% (128/163), which was lower than that of European/North American (85.4% (1 073/1 256), P =0.02). (2) Triggers:mental triggers accounted for 48.5% (79/163), physical triggers accounted for 43.6% (71/163), and no triggers accounted for 7.9% (13/163), respectively. Compared with Europe/North America, the ratio of patients with mental triggers was higher in China, while the ratio of patients with physical triggers and no triggers was lower ( P <0.05). (3) Symptoms: chest pain (52.8% (86/163)), chest tightness (35.0% (57/163)), shortness of breath (33.1% (54/163)), dizziness (16.0% (26/163)), sweating (15.3% (25/163)), palpitations (12.3% (20/163)), syncope (9.2% (15/163)) abdominal pain/diarrhea (8.6% (14/163)), hypotension (7.4% (12/163)), and fatigue (1.2% (2/163)) were illustrated in sequence. Compared with patients in Europe/North America, the ratio of patients with chest tightness, dizziness, sweating, palpitations, abdominal pain/diarrhea was higher in Chinese patients, while the ratio of patients with hypotension was lower in Chinese patients ( P <0.05). (4) Electrocardiogram: main manifestations were myocardial ischemia symptoms, such as ST-segment elevation (63.8% (104/163)), T wave inversion (46.0% (75/163)), ST-segment depression (8.6% (14/163)). Compared with European/North American, the ratio of patients with ST-segment elevation, T wave inversion, and atrioventricular block was higher in Chinese patients ( P <0.05). (5) Echocardiography and imaging:apical dyskinesia (59.5% (97/163)) and apical/left ventricular bulbar dilation (36.2%(59/163)) dominated the echocardiography findings. Compared with European/North American, the ratio of patients with apical dyskinesia, apical/left ventricular bulbar dilation, and mitral regurgitation was higher in Chinese patients, while the ratio of patients with dyskinesia in other parts and left ventricular ejection fraction<50% was lower in Chinese patients ( P <0.05). Left ventricular angiography showed 36.2% (59/163) of apical dyskinesia in Chinese patients, which was higher than that reported in European/North American patients, and 38.7% (63/163) of apical/left ventricular bulbar dilation was reported in Chinese patients, which was similar to that reported in European/North American patients. Coronary angiography showed percent of no stenosis or stenosis less than 50% was 87.1% (142/163), which was similar to that reported in European/North American patients ( P >0.05). The typical type of TTS accounted for 96.3% (157/163), which was significantly higher than that reported in European/ American patients, while the ratio of basal type and midventricular type was lower ( P <0.01). (6) Treatment and prognosis:the applied drugs in China were listed in order as following, β-blockers (41.1% (67/163)), antiplatelet agents (37.4%(61/163)), ACEI/ARB (36.2%(59/163)), anticoagulants (27.0%(44/163)), diuretics (19.6% (32/163)), etc. Compared with Europe/North America, the ratio of antiplatelet agents, anticoagulants, statins, diuretics, and nitrates use was higher in China ( P <0.05), while the use of oxygen therapy and IABP was similar ( P >0.05). The hospital mortality in China was 5.5% (9/163), during 1-year follow-up the recurrence rate was 3.7% (6/163) and the mortality was 0. The prognosis was similar with that in Europe/North America. Conclusions: Compared with TTS cases in Europe/North America, TTS cases in China also occur usually in middle-aged and elderly women, most of whom have mental/physical triggers and typical imaging manifestations, followed by a low hospital mortality rate and recurrence rate.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common persistent cardiac arrhythmia. This study aimed to estimate its prevalence and explore associated factors in adults aged 18 years or older in China., Methods: Study data were derived from a national sample from July 2020 to September 2021. Participants were recruited using a multistage stratified sampling method from twenty-two provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities in China. AF was determined based on a history of diagnosed AF or electrocardiogram results., Findings: A total of 114,039 respondents were included in the final analysis with a mean age of 55 years (standard deviation 17), 52·1% of whom were women. The crude prevalence of AF was 2·3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1·7-2·8) and increased with age. The age-standardized AF prevalence was 1·6% (95% CI 1·6-1·7%) overall, and 1·7% (1·6-1·8%), 1·4% (1·3-1·5%), 1·6% (95% CI 1·5-1·7%), and 1·7% (1·6-1·9%) in men, women, urban areas, and rural areas, respectively. The prevalence was higher in the central regions (2·5%, 2·3-2·7%) than in the western regions (1·5%, 1·0-2·0%) and eastern regions (1·1%, 1·0-1·2%) in the overall population, either in the gender or residency subgroups. The associated factors for AF included age (per 10 years; odds ratio 1·41 [95% CI 1·38-1·46]; p  < 0·001), men (1·34 [1·24-1·45]; p  < 0·001), hypertension (1·22 [1·12-1·33]; p  < 0·001), coronary heart disease (1·44 [1·28-1·62]; p  < 0·001), chronic heart failure (3·70 [3·22-4·26]; p  < 0·001), valvular heart disease (2·13 [1·72-2·63]; p  < 0·001), and transient ischaemic attack/stroke (1·22 [1·04-1·43]; p  = 0·013)., Interpretation: The prevalence of AF was 1.6% in the Chinese adult population and increased with age, with significant geographic variation. Older age, male sex, and cardiovascular disease were potent factors associated with AF. It is crucial to increase the awareness of AF and disseminate standardized treatment in clinical settings to reduce the disease burden., Funding: This research was supported the Nature Science Foundation of Hubei province (No: 2017CFB204)., Competing Interests: All authors declare no competing interests., (© 2022 Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Aim: No study elucidated the role of fasting blood glucose (FBG) level in the prognosis
of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)., Methods: This cohort study was conducted in a single center at Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China. Clinical laboratory, and treatment data of inpatients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 were collected and analyzed. Outcomes of patients with and without pre-existing diabetes were compared. The associations of diabetes history and/or FBG levels with mortality were analyzed. Multivariate cox regression analysis on the risk factors associated with mortality in patients with COVID-19 was performed., Results: A total of 941 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 were enrolled in the study. There was a positive relationship between pre-existing diabetes and the mortality of patients who developed COVID-19 (21 of 123 [17.1%] vs 76 of 818 [9.3%]; P = 0.012). FBG ≥7.0 mmol/L was an independent risk factor for the mortality of COVID-19 regardless of the presence or not of a history of diabetes (hazard ratio, 2.20 [95% CI, 1.21-4.03]; P = 0.010)., Conclusions: We firstly showed FBG ≥7.0 mmol/L predicted worse outcome in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 independent of diabetes history. Our findings indicated screening FBG level is an effective method to evaluate the prognosis of patients with COVID-19., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Self-powered ultraviolet (UV) photodetectors (PDs) based on ZnO heterojunctions have attracted more attention due to the simple preparation and excellent photoresponse performance without any power supply. The self-powered UV PDs based on NiO nanoflakes/ZnO nanorod arrays (NRs) heterojunctions were fabricated by a low-cost, simple chemical bath deposition (CBD) method. The crystal quality, optical and electronic properties of ZnO NRs is modified by Al 3+ ions additions in the precursor solution. The heterojunction devices with ZnO NRs grown in 0.5% Al 3+ ions additions precursor solution exhibit a narrow UV spectral selectivity, high photoresponsivity R (85.12 mA/W) and detectivity D* (1.74 × 10 12 cm·Hz 1/2 /W) and a fast response speed (~2 ms) under 378 nm UV light for low intensity irradiance (0.2 mW/cm 2 ) at zero bias. The large built-in electric field of the NiO/ZnO heterojunction with the increased Fermi level of ZnO NRs provide a strong driving force to separate and transfer the photo-generated carriers, decrease the recombination of the carriers and then improve the photoresponse performance of heterojunction devices without external bias., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Binary photoresponse characteristics can help realize optical signal processing and logic operations. UV photodetectors (PDs) with SnS x nanoflakes and TiO 2 nanorod arrays (NRs) show a novel binary photoswitching behavior (change in current from positive to negative) by manipulating the light wavelength without an external power source, utilizing the interfacial recombination of the photogenerated carriers in the type-I SnS x /TiO 2 heterojunctions. The enhanced responsivity ( R* ), detectivity ( D * ), and fast photoresponse time for self-powered SnS x /TiO 2 PDs can be achieved by adjusting the phase ratio of SnS and SnS 2 nanoflakes. The binary photoswitching in the self-powered UV PDs can be applied in the encrypted optical signal processing and imaging in some special conditions without external bias.