Perovskite Films Regulation via Hydrogen-Bonded Polymer Network for Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are considered as a promising photovoltaic technology due to their high efficiency and low cost. However, their long-term stability, mechanical durability, and environmental risks are still unable to meet practical needs. To overcome these issues, we designed a multifunctional elastomer PPG-mUPy-APDS with abundant hydrogen and carbonyl bonds. The chemical bonding between polymer and perovskite could increase the growth activation energy of perovskite film and promote the preferential growth of high-quality perovskite film. Owing to the low defect density and gradient energy-level alignment, the corresponding device exhibited a champion efficiency of 23.10 %. Furthermore, due to the formation of the hydrogen-bonded polymer network in the perovskite film, the target devices demonstrated excellent air stability and enhanced flexibility for the flexible PSCs. More importantly, the polymer network could coordinate with Pb2+ ions, immobilizing lead atoms to reduce their release into the environment. This strategy paves the way for the industrialization of high-performance flexible PSCs. ​.

Weierning, a Chinese patent medicine, improves chronic atrophic gastritis with intestinal metaplasia

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Weierning tablet (WEN) is a traditional Chinese patent medicine widely used in clinical for chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) therapy for years. However, the underlying mechanisms of WEN on anti-CAG are still unveiled.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study aimed to elucidate the characteristic function of WEN on anti-CAG and to illuminate its potential mechanism.

METHODS

The CAG model was established by gavage rats with a modeling solution (consisting of 2% sodium salicylate and 30% alcohol) with irregular diets and free access to 0.1% ammonia solution for two months on end. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the serum levels of gastrin, pepsinogen, and inflammatory cytokines. qRT-PCR was applied to measure mRNA expressions of IL-6, IL-18, IL-10, TNF-α, and γ-IFN in gastric tissue. Pathological changes and the ultrastructure of gastric mucosa were examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. AB-PAS staining was applied to observe the intestinal metaplasia of gastric mucosa. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot were used to measure the expression levels of mitochondria apoptosis-related proteins and Hedgehog pathway-related proteins in gastric tissues. Expressions of Cdx2 and Muc2 protein were determined by immunofluorescent staining.

RESULTS

WEN could dose-dependently lower the serum level of IL-1β and the mRNA expressions of IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α, and γ-IFN in gastric tissue. Also, WEN significantly alleviated the collagen deposition in gastric submucosa, regulated the expressions of Bax, Cleaved-caspase9, Bcl2, and Cytochrome c to reduce the apoptosis of gastric mucosa epithelial cells, and maintained the integrity of the gastric mucosal barrier. Moreover, WEN could reduce protein expressions of Cdx2, Muc2, Shh, Gli1, and Smo, and reverse intestinal metaplasia of gastric mucosa to block the progress of CAG.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated a positive effect of WEN on improving CAG and reverse intestinal metaplasia. These functions were related to the suppression of gastric mucosal cells' apoptosis and the inhibition of Hedgehog pathways' activation.

[Incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and risk factors in the Suzhou cohort]

Objective: To understand the incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the Suzhou cohort, and explore the risk factors for the development of COPD in Suzhou, and provide a scientific basis for COPD prevention. Methods: This study was based on the China Kadoorie Biobank project in Wuzhong District, Suzhou. After excluding individuals with airflow obstruction and self-reported chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or pulmonary heart disease at baseline, 45 484 individuals were finally included in the analysis. Cox proportional risk models were used to analyze risk factors of COPD and calculate hazard ratios and 95% confidence interval (CI) in the Suzhou cohort. The effect modifications of smoking on the association between other risk factors and COPD were evaluated. Results: Complete follow-up was available through December 31, 2017. Participants were followed up for a median of 11.12 years, and 524 individuals were diagnosed with COPD during the follow-up period; the incidence was 105.54 per 100 000 person-years. Multivariate Cox proportional risk regression models showed that age (HR=3.78, 95%CI:3.32-4.30), former smoking (HR=2.00, 95%CI:1.24-3.22), current smoking (<10 cigarettes/day, HR=2.14, 95%CI:1.36-3.35;≥10 cigarettes/day, HR=2.69, 95%CI:1.60-4.54), history of respiratory disease (HR=2.08, 95%CI:1.33-3.26), daily sleep duration ≥10 hours (HR=1.41, 95%CI:1.02-1.95) were associated with increased risk of COPD. However, education level of primary school and above (primary or junior high school, HR=0.65, 95%CI:0.52-0.81; high school and above, HR=0.54, 95%CI:0.33-0.87), consuming fresh fruit daily (HR=0.59, 95%CI:0.42-0.83) and consuming spicy food weekly (HR=0.71, 95%CI:0.53-0.94) were associated with reduced risk of COPD. Conclusions: The incidence of COPD is low in Suzhou. Older age, smoking, history of respiratory disease, and long sleep duration were risk factors for the development of COPD in the Suzhou cohort.

Carbon emission reduction potential assessment in food transportation by urban agriculture: A case study of main urban area of Nanjing, China

As an emerging urban green infrastructure and continuous productive urban landscape, urban agriculture can increase the resilience of urban food systems and reduce carbon emission in food transportation. However, there are few studies in China on the potential of urban agriculture and its role in carbon emission reduction. With semantic segmentation and spatial analysis method to identify urban agricultural potential spaces on the ground and rooftops based on satellite images and Lidar point cloud data in the main urban area of Nanjing, we estimated their potential in vegetable production and the CO2 emission reduction effect in food transportation. The results showed that there were 2904.39 hm2 of ground and 2976.96 hm2 of rooftops in the study area with the potential to be used for urban agriculture. Under a scenario with 80% potential space utilization, it could produce approximately 225000 t of vegetables per year, which equated to 43.6% of annual vegetable consumption in the study area. Meanwhile, it would reduce CO2 emission in long distance food transportation by 63700 t per year.

Temporal and spatial patterns of habitat of Nipponia nippon in China under the background of climate change

Crested ibis (Nipponia nippon) is one of the endangered species in the International Union for Conservation of Nature. It is of great significance to pay attention to the changes of its suitable habitat in the context of climate change. Based on the geographical distribution data of crested ibis, the MaxEnt model was used to predict the suitable habitat of crested ibis under current scenario and future climate change. The results showed that the prediction accuracy of MaxEnt model was high, with an AUC value of 0.989. The minimum temperature of the coldest month, the mean temperature of the coldest quarter, and the mean annual rainfall were the dominant environmental factors affecting the habitat of crested ibis. Under current climate scenario, the area of moderately and highly suitable area of Chinese crested ibis was 10.65×104 km2, mainly distributed in Shaanxi, Sichuan, Hubei, Henan, and Gansu. In the future, the suitable habitat area of crested ibis would increase significantly under climate change, mainly distributed in Anhui, Chongqing, Guizhou, Jiangsu, Hunan, Shandong, Shaanxi, Jiangxi, Taiwan, Yunnan, Liaoning, and Fujian. In the SSP126 scenario from 2041 to 2060, the suitable habitat area of crested ibis would reach the maximum, being 139.53×104 km2 higher than that of the current climate scenario, accounting for 19.6% of the land area. This study could provide a basis for policy making on the conservation of crested ibis under global climate change.

Two new species of the genus Nicephora Bolívar, 1900 (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Meconematinae) from Yunnan, China

This paper reports two new species of the tribe Meconematini from Yunnan, China, namely Nicephora curvata sp. nov. and Nicephora angustifolia sp. nov., and diagnostic illustrations are provided. The type specimens are deposited in the Museum of Hebei University.

Potential application of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. as a natural drug for bone mass regulation: A review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The root of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. (AM) has been used for thousands of years in China, and it's extracts contain various constituents, such as volatile oils, polysaccharides, and lactones, with a myriad of pharmacological effects, including improves the healthy state of the gastrointestinal system and regulating immunity, hormone secretion, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidation, anti-aging, and antitumor properties. Recently, researchers have focused on the effect of AM in regulating bone mass; therefore, its potential mechanism of action in regulating bone mass needs to be elucidated.

AIM OF REVIEW

This study reviewed the known and possible mechanisms of bone mass regulation by AM.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cochrane, Medline via PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, CINAHL, Web of Science, Chinese biomedical literature database, Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database, and Wanfang Database were used to search AM root extracts-related studies. The retrieval date was from the establishment of the database to January 1, 2023.

RESULTS

By summarizing 119 natural active substances that have been isolated from AM root to date, we explored its possible targets and pathways (such as Hedgehog, Wnt/β-catenin, and BMP/Smads pathways etc.) for bone growth and presented our position on possible future research/perspectives in the regulation of bone mass using this plant.

CONCLUSIONS

AM root extracts (incuding aqueous, ethanol etc.) promotes osteogenesis and inhibits osteoclastogenesis. These functions promote the absorption of nutrients, regulate gastrointestinal motility and intestinal microbial ecology, regulate endocrine function, strengthen bone immunity, and exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Use of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) inhibitor therapy in HIV-infected patients with advanced cancer: a single-center study from China

BACKGROUND

Anti-PD-1 antibodies have been approved for treating several cancer. However, data regarding the safety and efficacy of these agents in HIV-infected patients with cancer is lacking, because these patients are frequently omitted from clinical trials.

OBJECTIVES

The primary aim of our research is to assess the safety, activity, and long-term outcomes of PD-1 inhibitors in the treatment of HIV-infected patients with advanced cancer.

METHOD

We retrospectively analyzed data from HIV-infected patients with advanced cancers who were treated with PD-1 inhibitors at Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai, China.

RESULTS

Fifteen HIV-infected patients (all are men; asian; median age, 44) with cancer who were treated with chemotherapy and/or combined the other oncology treatments [along with combined antiretroviral therapy (cART)] prior to Sintilimab (12 out of 15) or Nivolumab (1 out of 11) or Camrelizumab (2 out of 11) injection were identified. Eight patients responded to treatment (disease control rate 53.3%), with 1 got partial response (PR) and 7 were stable. Most treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were grade 1 or 2 including anemia, leukopenia, hyperglycemia, granulocytopenia, and thrombocytopenia. Eight patients (53.3%) experienced treatment-related AEs (TRAEs) with grades 3/4including myelosuppression, infection, and neurological disorders. CD4⁺ T cell count and plasma HIV RNA remained stable throughout the treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

When used in HIV-infected patients with advanced malignancies, PD-1 inhibitors tend to have favorable efficacy, manageable side effects, and no deteriorated impacts on plasma HIV-RNA and CD4⁺ T cell count.

Screening and Activity Evaluation of Novel BCR-ABL/T315I Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors

INTRODUCTION

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a kind of malignant tumor formed by the clonal proliferation of bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells. BCR-ABL fusion protein, found in more than 90% of patients, is a vital target for discovering anti-CML drugs. Up to date, imatinib is the first BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) approved by the FDA for treating CML. However, the drug resistance problems appeared for many reasons, especially the T135I mutation, a "gatekeeper" of BCR-ABL. Currently, there is no long-term effective and low side effect drug in clinical.

METHODS

This study intends to find novel TKIs targeting BCR-ABL with high inhibitory activity against T315I mutant protein by combining artificial intelligence technology and cell growth curve, cytotoxicity, flow cytometry and western blot experiments.

RESULTS

The obtained compound was found to kill leukemia cells, which had good inhibitory efficacy in BaF3/T315I cells. Compound No 4 could induce cell cycle arrest, cause autophagy and apoptosis, and inhibit the phosphorylation of BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase, STAT5 and Crkl proteins.

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that the screened compound could be used as a lead compound for further research to discover ideal chronic myeloid leukemia therapeutic drugs.

Ultrathin AlOxlayer modified ferroelectric organic field-effect transistor for artificial synaptic characteristics

The challenges associated with autonomous information processing and storage will be resolved by neuromorphic computing, which takes inspiration from neural networks in the human brain. To create suitable artificial synaptic devices for artificial intelligence, it is essential to look for approaches to improve device performance. In the present study, we suggest a method to address this problem by inserting an ultrathin AlO_Xlayer at the side of ferroelectric film for the prepared ferroelectric organic effect transistor (Fe-OFET) to modify a ferroelectric polymer film with a low coercive field. The transistors parameters are greatly improved (large memory window exceeding 14 V, high on-off current ratio of 10³, and hole mobility up to 10^-2cm²V^-1s^-1). Furthermore, the optimized high-performance Fe-OFET with 2 nm thickness of AlO_Xlayer is found to have synaptic behaviors including postsynaptic current, short-term/long-term plasticity, spike-amplitude-dependent plasticity, spike-duration-dependent plasticity, paired-pulse facilitation, spike-rate-dependent plasticity, and spike-number-dependent plasticity. An outstanding learning accuracy of 87.5% is demonstrated by an imitated artificial neural network made up of Fe-OFET for a big image version of handwritten digits (28 × 28 pixel) from the Modified National Institute of Standards and Technology dataset. By improving synaptic transistor performance in this way, a new generation of neuromorphic computing systems is set to be developed.

Fu-Zheng-Tong-Luo formula promotes autophagy and alleviates idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis by controlling the Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Fu-Zheng-Tong-Luo (FZTL) formula is a Chinese herbal prescription which is used to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). We previously reported that the FZTL formula could improve IPF injury in rats; however, the mechanism remains unelucidated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To elucidate the effects and mechanisms of the FZTL formula on IPF.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis rat model and transforming growth factor-β-induced lung fibroblast model were used. Histological changes and fibrosis formation were detected in the rat model after treatment with the FZTL formula. Furthermore, the effects of the FZTL formula on autophagy and lung fibroblast activation were determined. Moreover, the mechanism of FZTL was explored using transcriptomics analysis.

RESULTS

We observed that FZTL alleviated IPF injury in rats and inhibited inflammatory responses and fibrosis formation in rats. Moreover, it promoted autophagy and inhibited lung fibroblast activation in vitro. Transcriptomics analysis revealed that FZTL regulates the Janus kinase 2 (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of the transcription 3 (STAT) signaling pathway. The JAK2/STAT3 signaling activator interleukin 6 inhibited the anti-fibroblast activation effect of the FZTL formula. Combined treatment with the JAK2 inhibitor (AZD1480) and autophagy inhibitor (3-methyladenine) did not enhance the antifibrotic effect of FZTL.

CONCLUSIONS

The FZTL formula can inhibit IPF injury and lung fibroblast activation. Its effects are mediated via the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. The FZTL formula may be a potential complementary therapy for pulmonary fibrosis.

Three new species of the genus Nigrimacula Shi, Bian & Zhou, 2016 (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Meconematinae) from Yunnan, China

This paper reports three new species of the genus Nigrimacula Shi, Bian & Zhou, 2016 from Yunnan, China, i.e. Nigrimacula biprotubera sp. nov., Nigrimacula trigona sp. nov. and Nigrimacula wuliangshanensis sp. nov. In addition, we supplement the male description of Nigrimacula inlobata Cui, Liu & Shi, 2021.

Estrogen receptor β attenuates renal fibrosis by suppressing the transcriptional activity of Smad3

Renal fibrosis (RF) is a common pathway leading to chronic kidney disease (CKD), which lacks effective treatment. While estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) is known to be present in the kidney, its role in RF remains unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the role and underlying mechanism of ERβ during RF progression in patients and animal models with CKD. We found that ERβ was highly expressed in the proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTECs) in healthy kidneys but its expression was largely lost in patients with immunoglobin A nephropathy (IgAN) and in mice with unilateral ureter obstruction (UUO) and subtotal nephrectomy (5/6Nx). ERβ deficiency markedly exacerbated, whereas ERβ activation by WAY200070 and DPN attenuated RF in both UUO and 5/6Nx mouse models, suggesting a protective role of ERβ in RF. In addition, ERβ activation inhibited TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling, while loss of renal ERβ was associated with overactivation of the TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway. Furthermore, deletion or pharmacological inhibition of Smad3 prevented the loss of ERβ and RF. Mechanistically, activation of ERβ competitively inhibited the association of Smad3 with the Smad-binding element, thereby downregulating the transcription of the fibrosis-related genes without altering Smad3 phosphorylation in vivo and in vitro. In conclusion, ERβ exerts a renoprotective role in CKD by blocking the Smad3 signaling pathway. Thus, ERβ may represent as a promising therapeutic agent for RF.

Glucocorticoids promote lung metastasis of pancreatic cancer cells through enhancing cell adhesion, migration and invasion

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are the important stress hormones and widely prescribed as drugs. Although stress has been suggested as a promoter of tumor progression, the direct influence of GCs on metastasis of tumor is not fully understood. Metastasis is a major cause of death in pancreatic cancer patients. In the present study, we investigated the effect of GCs on progression of pancreatic cancer and elucidated the underlying mechanism. It was found that GCs significantly promote cell adhesion, migration, and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells in vitro and their lung metastasis in vivo. Further mechanistic studies showed that GCs notably up-regulate the expression of a trans-membrane glycoprotein, mucin 1 (MUC1) and increase the activation of AKT. Inhibiting MUC1 expression not only attenuates the activation of AKT, but also significantly reduces the promoting effects of GCs on cell adhesion, migration, invasion, and lung metastasis of pancreatic cancer cells. Moreover, GCs not only significantly up-regulate expression of Rho-associated kinase 1/2 (ROCK1/2) and matrix metalloproteinase 3 and 7 (MMP3/7), but also activate ROCK2, which are also involved in the pro-migratory and pro-invasive effects of GCs in pancreatic cancer cells. Taken together, our findings reveal that GCs promote metastasis of pancreatic cancer cells through complex mechanism. MUC1-PI3K/AKT pathway, ROCK1/2 and MMP3/7 are involved in the promoting effect of GCs on cell migration, invasion and metastasis in pancreatic cancer cells. These results suggest the importance of reducing stress and GCs administration in patients with pancreatic cancer to avoid an increased risk of cancer metastasis.

High-Intensity Interval Training Induces Protein Lactylation in Different Tissues of Mice with Specificity and Time Dependence

Protein lysine lactylation (Kla) is a novel protein acylation reported in recent years, which plays an important role in the development of several diseases with pathologically elevated lactate levels, such as tumors. The concentration of lactate as a donor is directly related to the Kla level. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a workout pattern that has positive effects in many metabolic diseases, but the mechanisms by which HIIT promotes health are not yet clear. Lactate is the main metabolite of HIIT, and it is unknown as to whether high lactate during HIIT can induce changes in Kla levels, as well as whether Kla levels differ in different tissues and how time-dependent Kla levels are. In this study, we observed the specificity and time-dependent effects of a single HIIT on the regulation of Kla in mouse tissues. In addition, we aimed to select tissues with high Kla specificity and obvious time dependence for lactylation quantitative omics and analyze the possible biological targets of HIIT-induced Kla regulation. A single HIIT induces Kla in tissues with high lactate uptake and metabolism, such as iWAT, BAT, soleus muscle and liver proteins, and Kla levels peak at 24 h after HIIT and return to steady state at 72 h. Kla proteins in iWAT may affect pathways related to glycolipid metabolism and are highly associated with de novo synthesis. It is speculated that the changes in energy expenditure, lipolytic effects and metabolic characteristics during the recovery period after HIIT may be related to the regulation of Kla in iWAT.

[The distribution of blood pressure and associated factors of the elderly with type 2 diabetes in Jiangsu Province]

Objective: To investigate the distribution of blood pressure and analyze the associated factors of blood pressure of the elderly with type 2 diabetes in Jiangsu Province. Methods: The elderly over 60 years old participants with type 2 diabetes in the communities of Huai'an City and Changshu City, Jiangsu Province were selected in this study. They were divided into two groups: taking antihypertensive drugs and not taking antihypertensive drugs. The demographic characteristics, such as age and sex, and relevant factors were collected by questionnaire. The systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured by physical examination. The percentile of SBP and DBP in each age group of men and women were described. The kernel density estimation curve was used to show the blood pressure distribution. The trend of blood pressure with age was fitted by locally weighted regression. The logistic regression model was used to analyze relevant factors of blood pressure. Results: A total of 12 949 participants were included in this study, including 7 775 patients in the antihypertensive drug group and 5 174 patients in the group without antihypertensive drugs. The SBP of participants was concentrated at 140-160 mmHg, and their DBP was concentrated at 75-85 mmHg. There were significant differences in the distribution of blood pressure among the subgroups of body mass index (BMI) and rural areas whether taking antihypertensive drugs and not. For participants aged under 80 years old, the SBP showed an increasing trend with age and the DBP showed a decreasing trend with age. Age, BMI ≥24 kg/m², fasting blood glucose ≥7.0 mmol/L, living in rural areas and no smoking were influencing factors of the elevated SBP; BMI ≥24 kg/m², male, living in rural areas, no smoking, drinking alcohol and not receiving drug hypoglycemic treatment were influencing factors of the elevated DBP. Conclusion: The SBP of older diabetic adults in Jiangsu Province is at a high level, and the distribution of blood pressure is significantly different between men and women in taking antihypertensive drugs group. The SBP presents a rising trend and the DBP is decreasing at the age of 60-80 years. The blood pressure level of this population are mainly affected by age, BMI, urban and rural areas, smoking.

Discovery of a Small-Molecule Inhibitor Targeting the Androgen Receptor N-Terminal Domain for Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer

The current mainstay therapeutic strategy for advanced prostate cancer is to suppress androgen receptor (AR) signaling. However, castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) invariably arises with restored AR signaling activity. To date, the AR ligand-binding domain (LBD) is the only targeted region for all clinically available AR signaling antagonists, such as enzalutamide (ENZ). Major resistance mechanisms have been uncovered to sustain the AR signaling in CRPC despite these treatments, including AR amplification, AR LBD mutants, and the emergence of AR splice variants (AR-Vs) such as AR-V7. AR-V7 is a constitutively active truncated form of AR that lacks the LBD; thus, it can not be inhibited by AR LBD-targeting drugs. Therefore, an approach to inhibit AR through the regions outside of LBD is urgently needed. In this study, we have discovered a novel small molecule SC428, which directly binds to the AR N-terminal domain (NTD) and exhibits pan-AR inhibitory effect. SC428 potently decreased the transactivation of AR-V7, ARv567es, as well as full-length AR (AR-FL) and its LBD mutants. SC428 substantially suppressed androgen-stimulated AR-FL nuclear translocation, chromatin binding, and AR-regulated gene transcription. Moreover, SC428 also significantly attenuated AR-V7-mediated AR signaling that does not rely on androgen, hampered AR-V7 nuclear localization, and disrupted AR-V7 homodimerization. SC428 inhibited in vitro proliferation and in vivo tumor growth of cells that expressed a high level of AR-V7 and were unresponsive to ENZ treatment. Together, these results indicated the potential therapeutic benefits of AR-NTD targeting for overcoming drug resistance in CRPC.

The success rate of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and its correlated factors in patients with emergency prehospital cardiac arrest

To assess the initial success rate and its correlated factors on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in emergency prehospital cardiac arrest patients. The clinical information of 429 patients with cardiac arrest who underwent prehospital CPR in the fourth hospital of Hebei Medical University from Jan 2020 to Apr 2022 were evaluated. The patients were divided into the successful group (ROSC, n = 25) and the unsuccessful group (non-ROSC, n = 404) according to whether the autonomous circulation (ROSC) was resumed. The univariate analysis was performed to evaluate the differences in age, the start time of CPR, the application of electric defibrillation, and other related data between the two groups. The multivariate analysis evaluated protective factors affecting CPR's success in prehospital cardiac arrest patients. Patients with cardiogenic causes had the highest success rate of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The causes of traffic accidents and drowning account for a low proportion. Furthermore, the median CPR length was 25.0 min, alternating from 1.5 to 64 mi. The univariate analysis revealed that age, the start time of CPR, application of electric defibrillation, and adrenaline dosage were correlated with CPR attempts (p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the age of patients with prehospital CA, the location of prehospital CA, etiology, bystander CPR, CPR start time, defibrillation start time, tracheal intubation time, type of rhythm before resuscitation, adrenaline dosage <5 mg, and adrenaline administration time were all the influencing factors of prehospital CPR success (p < 0.01). The factors affecting CPR's success rate in prehospital CA patients are complicated. Establishing a few procedures to diminish the incidence of these risk factors is crucial.

Two new species of the genus Homogryllacris (Orthoptera: Gryllacrididae) with the male of Homogryllacris irregularis Lu, Zhang & Bian, 2022 from Yunnan, China

This paper reports two new species of the genus Homogryllacris Liu, 2007 from Yunnan, China. In addition, the male of Homogryllacris irregularis Lu, Zhang & Bian, 2022 is described for the first time.

Impact of global value chain and technological innovation on China's industrial greenhouse gas emissions and trend prediction

The global value chain has introduced profound changes in international trade, economic development, and technology progress as well as greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. This paper investigated the impact of the global value chain and technological innovation on greenhouse gas emissions by introducing a partially linear functional-coefficient model based on panel data of 15 industrial sectors in China from 2000 to 2020. Moreover, the greenhouse gas emission trends of China's industrial sectors from 2024 to 2035 were predicted using the autoregressive integrated moving average model. The results showed that (1) Greenhouse gas emissions were affected negatively by global value chain position and independent innovation. Nevertheless, foreign innovation had the opposite effect. (2) The results of the partially linear functional-coefficient model implied that the inhibitory effect of independent innovation on GHG emissions decreased with an improvement in the global value chain position. (3) The positive effect of foreign innovation on greenhouse gas emissions increased and then, decreased as the global value chain position improved. (4) The prediction results indicated that greenhouse gas emissions will continue on an upward trend from 2024 to 2035, while industrial carbon dioxide emissions should peak at 10.21 Gt in 2028. This carbon-peaking goal would be achieved in China's industrial sector by actively improving the global value chain position. Addressing these issues will enable China to take full advantage of the development opportunities of participating in the global value chain.

Effect of other venous access on cardiopulmonary resuscitation quality: A prospective, randomized, controlled trial

This randomized controlled study aimed to prospectively evaluate the application effects of other venous access in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation. A total of 212 patients who underwent respiratory and cardiac arrest were randomly divided into peripheral intravenous (IV) access group (IV group, n = 69), femoral vein catheterization group (FVC group, n = 72), and internal jugular vein catheterization group (IJVC group, n = 71). The puncture time, first administration time, pressure interruption time caused by the establishment of fluid pathway, endotracheal intubation time, complications, ROSC time, and ETCO2 were recorded. The time of establishing venous access was: IV<FVC<IJVC. The once puncture success rate of the FVC group was markedly higher than that in IV and IJVC groups (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in ROSC time between the FVC, IV, and the IJVC group (P = 0.23). The ROSC time in the FVC group was higher than in the IV and IJVC groups (P < 0.01). The success rate of ROSC in the FVC group and IJVC group were better than that in the IV group (PVC>IJVC>IV, P = 0.04). There was no significant difference in EtCO2 between the FVC, IV group, and IJVC group (PVC>IJVC>IV, P = 0.17). Due to catheterization, the time of suspending chest compression in the FVC group was significantly lower than in the IJVC group (5s vs. 12s). The time of establishing an artificial airway in the IV (38s) and FVC (35s) group were significantly longer than that in IJVC (52s) group. Central venous catheterization is more effective than peripheral venous catheterization in cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Moreover, femoral vein access was more effective than internal jugular vein access.

Comparative evolutionary and molecular genetics based study of Buffalo lysozyme gene family to elucidate their antibacterial function

Lysozyme is used as a food preservative, biological medicine, and infant food additive as a natural anti-infective chemical having bactericidal activity and abundantly secreted in mammals' milk, saliva, etc. We systematically analyzed the 16 coding LYZ genes (C and G-type) in buffalo and cattle to elucidate their evolutionary perspective thoroughly by evaluating an evolutionary relationship, motif patterning, physicochemical attributes, gene, and protein structure, as well as the functional role of the mammary gland-specific expressed buffalo and cattle LYZ genes precisely while considering expression levels difference and the interaction sites variation with bacteria envisaged the potential ability of buffalo LYZ protein with enhanced antibacterial effect. Thus, we speculated that the buffalo mammary glands expressed lysozyme has good antibacterial activity. This study on the buffalo lysozyme gene family not only provides comprehensive insights into the genetic architecture and their antibacterial effect but also offers a theoretical basis for the development of new veterinary drugs and animal health care for mastitis, as well as a new molecular genetic basis to study food or medical lysozyme.

In-person versus virtual administration of the American College of Radiology gold standard cognitive battery in systemic lupus erythematosus: Are they interchangeable?

OBJECTIVE

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many research studies were adapted, including our longitudinal study examining cognitive impairment (CI) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Cognitive testing was switched from in-person to virtual. This analysis aimed to determine if the administration method (in-person vs. virtual) of the ACR-neuropsychological battery (ACR-NB) affected participant cognitive performance and classification.

METHODS

Data from our multi-visit, SLE CI study included demographic, clinical, and psychiatric characteristics, and the modified ACR-NB. Three analyses were undertaken for cognitive performance: (1) all visits, (2) non-CI group visits only and (3) intra-individual comparisons. A retrospective preferences questionnaire was given to participants who completed the ACR-NB both in-person and virtually.

RESULTS

We analysed 328 SLE participants who had 801 visits (696 in-person and 105 virtual). Demographic, clinical, and psychiatric characteristics were comparable except for ethnicity, anxiety and disease-related damage. Across all three comparisons, six tests were consistently statistically significantly different. CI classification changed in 11/71 (15%) participants. 45% of participants preferred the virtual administration method and 33% preferred in-person.

CONCLUSIONS

Of the 19 tests in the ACR-NB, we identified one or more problems with eight (42%) tests when moving from in-person to virtual administration. As the use of virtual cognitive testing will likely increase, these issues need to be addressed - potentially by validating a virtual version of the ACR-NB. Until then, caution must be taken when directly comparing virtual to in-person test results. If future studies use a mixed administration approach, this should be accounted for during analysis.

Ultrasonographic classification of 26 cases of fetal umbilical-portal-systemic venous shunts and the correlations with fetal chromosomal abnormalities

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the ultrasonographic classification of fetal umbilical-portal-systemic venous shunts (UPSVS) and the correlations with fetal chromosomal abnormalities.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the ultrasound characteristics and the corresponding chromosomal abnormalities of 26 cases of fetal UPSVS prenatally diagnosed.

RESULTS

A total of 26 fetuses diagnosed as UPSVS were included, including four cases of type I UPSVS, ten of type II, three of type IIIA, and nine of type IIIB. Four cases of type I were all complicated by fetal heart enlargement and heart insufficiency, of which one case had multiple malformations, and all four cases terminated pregnancies. Six of ten cases of type II terminated pregnancies, including four of Down's syndrome, one of twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence, one of fetal edema but with normal copy number variation (CNV) by chorionic villus sampling. The other four of ten cases were isolated type II with normal chromosomes, which were delivered at full term and were normal in growth and development when followed up 34 months after birth. Three cases of type IIIA all terminated pregnancies, of which one had multiple malformations, one had right multicystic dysplastic kidney, and one had fetal heart enlargement and heart failure. Among nine of type IIIB, seven with chromosomal abnormalities and/ or complicated malformations terminated pregnancies, and two with isolated type IIIB and normal chromosomes were delivered at full term, and were normal in growth and development (one was followed up to 33 months after birth and the other 20 months after birth).

CONCLUSION

Fetal UPSVS can be clearly diagnosed and typed by prenatal ultrasonography. Fetal prognosis is determined by the types of UPSVS and complicated malformations and/ or chromosomal abnormalities. The probability of fetal chromosomal abnormalities in UPSVS fetuses is related to the ultrasonographic classification.