Copious Dislocations Defect in Amorphous/Crystalline/Amorphous Sandwiched Structure P-NiMoO4 Electrocatalyst toward Enhanced Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

The design and synthesis of efficient, inexpensive, and long-term stable heterostructured electrocatalysts with high-density dislocations for hydrogen evolution reaction in alkaline media and seawater are still a great challenge. An amorphous/crystalline/amorphous sandwiched structure with abundant dislocations were synthesized through thermal phosphidation strategies. The dislocations play an important role in the hydrogen evolution reactions. Copious dislocation defects, combined with cracks, and the synergistic interfacial effect between crystalline phase and amorphous phase regulate the electronic structure of electrocatalyst, provide more active sites, and thus endow the electrocatalysts with excellent catalytic activity under alkaline water and seawater. The overpotentials of P-NiMoO4 at 10 mA/cm2 in 1 M KOH aqueous solution and seawater are 45 and 75 mV, respectively. Additionally, the P-NiMoO4 electrocatalyst exhibits long-term stability over 100 h. This study provides a simple approach for synthesizing amorphous/crystalline/amorphous sandwiched non-noble-metal electrocatalysts with abundant dislocations for hydrogen evolution reaction.

In situ lithiation modulation of LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 as bifunctional electrocatalysts for highly efficient overall water splitting

LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811) is a common cathode material in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), and the ever-increasing consumption of large quantities of LIBs raises critical concerns about their recycling. Herein, we propose an in-situ lithiation route to tune the structure and electrocatalytic properties of NCM811 by Li+ intercalation and exfoliation in LIBs. In this strategy, the morphology and microstructure of the lithiated NCM811 can be controlled by a specified discharge voltage. The lithiation modulation effectively converted the large NCM811 particles into many flower-like nanosheets. The resulting nanosheets are interconnected and have a rich porous structure, which is conducive to the complete penetration and diffusion of electrolytes and accelerating the charge transfer rate. Moreover, oxygen vacancies and amorphous regions were induced in the nanosheets to provide more active sites. The novel lithiation-modulated nanosheets demonstrate high activity and bifunctional characteristics for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Specifically, the lithiated NCM811 nanosheets demonstrate a low HER overpotential of 58 mV@10 mA cm-2 and OER overpotential of 222@10 mA cm-2. The assembled electrolytic cell for overall water-splitting requires only 1.74 V to reach 100 mA cm-2 with outstanding durability. This work provides a unique strategy for structural modulation of NCM811 cathode in LIBs as high-performance electrocatalysts for water splitting, and demonstrates a high-value recycle of spent LIB electrodes.

Three-dimensional carbon network-supported black phosphorus-cobalt heterojunctions: An efficient electrocatalyst for high-rate oxygen evolution

Black phosphorus (BP), as a burgeoning two-dimensional material, has shown good electrocatalytic activity due to its unique electronic structure and abundant active sites.However, the presence of lone pair electrons in black phosphorus leads to its poor stability and rapid degradation in an oxygen/water environment, which greatly limits its practical application. Herein, BP-Co heterojunctions were synthesized on carbon nanotube@nitrogen-doped carbon (BP-Co/CNT@NC) by the pyrolysis of ZnCo-zeolitic imidazolate frameworks and subsequent solvothermal treatment. The BP-Co Schottky junction improved the electrocatalytic stability of BP, modulated its electronic structure, improved its conductivity and electron transfer during the electrocatalytic reaction. Density functional theory calculation was used to confirm the electron transfer and redistribution at the interface between BP and Co, which constructed an oppositely charged region and formed a strong built-in field. Energy band configuration analysis revealed a narrowed band gap because of the formation of BP-Co Schottky junction. Consequently, the optimized BP-Co/CNT@NC exhibited a superior oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performance, a low overpotential of 370 mV@100 mA/cm2, with a small Tafel slope of 40 mV/dec and good long-term stability. Particularly, the catalyst has an excellent OER performance at the high current density of 100-400 mA/cm2. This strategy improves the stability of BP electrocatalysts and strengthens their utilization in electrocatalytic applications.

Porous N-Doped Carbon Decorated with Atomically Dispersed Independent Dual Metal Sites from Energetic Zeolite Imidazolate Frameworks as Bidirectional Catalysts for Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries have ultrahigh theoretical specific capacity and energy density, which are considered to be very promising energy storage devices. However, the slow redox kinetics of polysulfides are the main reason for the rapid capacity decay of Li-S batteries. A reasonable electrocatalyst for the Li-S battery should reduce the reaction barrier and accelerate the reaction kinetics of the bidirectional catalytic conversion of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs), thereby reducing the cumulative concentration of LiPSs in the electrolyte. In this report, porous N-doped carbon nanofibers decorated with independent dual metal sites as catalysts for Li-S batteries were fabricated in one step using a fusion-foaming method. Experimental and theoretical analyses demonstrate that the synergistic effect of independent dual metal sites provides strong LiPS affinity, improved electronic conductivity, and enhanced redox kinetics of polysulfides. Therefore, the assembled Li-S battery exhibits high rate performance (discharge specific capacity of 771 mA h g-1 at 2C) and excellent cycle stability (capacity decay rate of 0.51% after 1000 cycles at 1C).

Stabilizing Solid-state Lithium Metal Batteries through In Situ Generated Janus-heterarchical LiF-rich SEI in Ionic Liquid Confined 3D MOF/Polymer Membranes

Pursuing high power density lithium metal battery with high safety is essential for developing next-generation energy-storage devices, but uncontrollable electrolyte degradation and the consequence formed unstable solid-electrolyte interface (SEI) make the task really challenging. Herein, an ionic liquid (IL) confined MOF/Polymer 3D-porous membrane was constructed for boosting in situ electrochemical transformations of Janus-heterarchical LiF/Li3 N-rich SEI films on the nanofibers. Such a 3D-Janus SEI-incorporated into the separator offers fast Li+ transport routes, showing superior room-temperature ionic conductivity of 8.17×10-4  S cm-1 and Li+ transfer number of 0.82. The cryo-TEM was employed to visually monitor the in situ formed LiF and Li3 N nanocrystals in SEI and the deposition of Li dendrites, which is greatly benefit to the theoretical simulation and kinetic analysis of the structural evolution during the battery charge and discharge process. In particular, this membrane with high thermal stability and mechanical strength used in solid-state Li||LiFePO4 and Li||NCM-811 full cells and even in pouch cells showed enhanced rate-performance and ultra-long life spans.

Room-Temperature Laser Planting of High-Loading Single-Atom Catalysts for High-Efficiency Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution

Despite stunning progress in single-atom catalysis (SAC), it remains a grand challenge to yield a high loading of single atoms (SAs) anchored on substrates. Herein, we report a one-step laser-planting strategy to craft SAs of interest under an atmospheric temperature and pressure on various substrates including carbon, metals, and oxides. Laser pulses render concurrent creation of defects on the substrate and decomposition of precursors into monolithic metal SAs, which are immobilized on the as-produced defects via electronic interactions. Laser planting enables a high defect density, leading to a record-high loading of SAs of 41.8 wt %. Our strategy can also synthesize high-entropy SAs (HESAs) with the coexistence of multiple metal SAs, regardless of their distinct characteristics. An integrated experimental and theoretical study reveals that superior catalytic activity can be achieved when the distribution of metal atom content in HESAs resembles the distribution of their catalytic performance in a volcano plot of electrocatalysis. The noble-metal mass activity for a hydrogen evolution reaction within HESAs is 11-fold over that of commercial Pt/C. The laser-planting strategy is robust, opening up a simple and general route to attaining an array of low-cost, high-density SAs on diverse substrates under ambient conditions for electrochemical energy conversion.

[The urate-lowering efficacy of febuxostat and its relationship with residual renal function in peritoneal dialysis patients with hyperuricemia]

Objective: To investigate the urate-lowering efficacy of febuxostat in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients with hyperuricemia (HUA) and its relationship with residual renal function. Methods: Patients with HUA who underwent PD in Ningbo First Hospital from January 2018 to October 2021 were enrolled and divided into experimental group and control group according to whether to use febuxostat. The clinical baseline data before treatment and clinical indicators during 1-12 months after treatment were collected in two groups, and the adverse reactions during the use of febuxostat were also recorded. The changes of serum uric acid, standard-reaching rate and residual renal function were compared between the two groups during the follow-up. Results: A total of 105 patients were included in the study. There were 55 patients in the experimental group [27 males and 28 females, with a mean age of (54.5±14.8) years] and 50 patients in the control group [32 males and 18 females, with a mean age of (53.8±15.2) years]. No statistically significant difference was detected in clinical baseline data between the two groups (all P>0.05). The serum uric acid of the experimental group [(479±77), (311±69), (286±61), (307±65), (312±57) μmol/L] and control group [(486±59), (454±71), (453±76), (463±70), (459±76) μmol/L] were lower than baseline values at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after treatment and the differences of two groups were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The serum uric acid in experimental group was significantly lower than that of control group (P<0.05). At 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after treatment, the standard-reaching rate of serum uric acid in the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group (all P<0.05). The decrease of residual estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and residual renal urea clearance index (Kt/V) in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group at 12 months after treatment (all P<0.05). During the follow-up, the incidence of adverse reactions in the experimental group was 9.09% (5/55). Conclusions: Febuxostat can effectively treat PD patients with hyperuricemia and has a high safety profile. Moreover, it may delay the loss of residual renal function.

Chemical Energy-Driven Lithiation Preparation of Defect-Rich Transition Metal Nanostructures for Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution

Transition metal nanostructures are widely regarded as important catalysts to replace the precious metal Pt for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in water splitting. However, it is difficult to obtain uniform-sized and ultrafine metal nanograins through general high-temperature reduction and sintering processes. Herein, a novel method of chemical energy-driven lithiation is introduced to synthesize transition metal nanostructures. By taking advantage of the slow crystallization kinetics at room temperature, more surface and boundary defects can be generated and remained, which reduce the atomic coordination number and tune the electronic structure and adsorption free energy of the metals. The obtained Ni nanostructures therein exhibit excellent HER performance. In addition, the bimetal of Co and Ni shows better electrocatalytic kinetics than individual Ni and Co nanostructures, reaching 100 mA cm^-2 at a low overpotential of 127 mV. The high HER performance originates from well-formed synergistic effect between Ni and Co by tuning the electronic structures. Density functional theory simulations confirm that the bimetallic NiCo possesses a low Gibbs free energy of hydrogen adsorption, which are conducive to enhance its intrinsic activity. This work provides a general strategy that enables simultaneous defect engineering and electronic modulation of transition metal catalysts to achieve an enhancement in HER performance.

[Research advances in transmission dynamic models on hand, foot, and mouth disease]

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common childhood infectious disease caused by various enteroviruses. China has the most significant number of reported cases and deaths of HFMD over the globe. Understanding the epidemic laws of HFMD can provide a scientific basis for designing prevention and control measures. The dynamic transmission models focus on the transmission mechanism of infectious diseases. They can simulate the actual situation to study the epidemic rules of diseases by adding, deleting, and subdividing compartments. More researchers have paid attention to dynamic models because of their high flexibility. To carry out the dynamic model of the HFMD research more effectively, a comprehensive understanding of related research progress in this field is deeply needed. In this paper, based on various researchers' different research purposes of dynamic models, the research progress was classified and summarized, providing meaningful guidance for model construction methods and future research directions and references for dynamic modeling of other models of infectious diseases. It was found that most studies used the SIR dynamic model or its extended model (such as the SEIR model), and few studies contained a complex factor compartment. Some important epidemiological parameters (such as R₀) were obtained by studying the HFMD cases in a specific region, simulating different intervention scenarios to evaluate the effect of measures, or revealing the future trend by model prediction. However, there is no dynamic model simultaneously considering age structure, population moving, seasonality and periodicity, and vaccination.

Zero-Strain High-Capacity Silicon/Carbon Anode Enabled by a MOF-Derived Space-Confined Single-Atom Catalytic Strategy for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Developing zero-strain electrode materials with high capacity is crucial for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Here, a new zero-strain composite material made of ultrasmall Si nanodots (NDs) within metal organic framework-derived nanoreactors (Si NDs⊂MDN) through a novel space-confined catalytic strategy is reported. The unique Si NDs⊂MDN anode features a low strain (<3%) and a high theoretical lithium storage capacity (1524 mAh g^-1 ) which far surpasses the traditional single-crystal counterparts that suffer from a low capacity delivery. The zero-strain property is evidenced by substantial characterizations including ex/in situ transmission electron microscopy and mechanical simulations. The Si NDs⊂MDN exhibits superior cycling stability and high reversible capacity (1327 mAh g^-1 at 0.1 A g^-1 after 100 cycles) in half-cells and high energy density (366 Wh kg^-1 after 300 cycles) in a full cell. This study reports a new catalog of zero-strain electrode material with significantly improved capacity beyond the traditional single-crystal zero-strain materials.

Short-term outcomes of intracorporeal and extracorporeal anastomosis in robotic right colectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Ileocolic anastomosis is performed via extracorporeal or intracorporeal techniques in robotic right hemicolectomy. The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the short-term outcomes of intracorporeal anastomosis (IA) and extracorporeal anastomosis (EA) for robotic right colectomy. The EMBASE, PubMed, and Cochrane Library databases were searched systematically (from inception until March 1, 2020) for randomized and non-randomized control trials reporting the short-term outcomes of IA and EA for robotic right colectomy. Five observational cohort studies involving 585 participants were included in our meta-analysis. Compared to the EA group, the IA group showed significantly longer operation time [weighted mean difference (WMD): 28.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) 13.88-43.89, p = 0.0002], lower rate of anastomotic leak (odds ratio: 0.26, 95% CI 0.08-0.85, p = 0.03), and shorter time to first flatus (WMD: - 0.57, 95% CI - 0.95 to 0.19, p = 0.003). However, pooled results revealed no difference in blood loss, complications, wound infection, incisional hernia, length of incision, and hospital stay between the IA and EA groups (p < 0.05). This meta-analysis indicated that IA was superior to EA in terms of anastomotic leak and time to first flatus, but inferior in terms of operation time. Large-scale, multicenter, randomized studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Preoperative prediction of microvascular invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma: a radiomic nomogram based on MRI

AIM

To develop a reliable model to predict microvascular invasion (MVI) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by combining a large number of clinical and imaging examinations, especially the radiomic features of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three hundred and one consecutive patients from two centres were enrolled. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was used to shrink the feature size, and logistic regression was used to construct a predictive radiomic signature. The ability of the nomogram to discriminate MVI in patients with HCC was evaluated using area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristics (ROC), accuracy, and calibration curves.

RESULTS

The radiomic signature showed a significant association with MVI (p<0.001 for all data sets). Other useful predictors of MVI included non-smooth tumour margin, internal arteries, and the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level. The nomogram demonstrated a strong prognostic capability in the training set and both validation sets, providing AUCs of 0.914 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.853-0.956), 0.872 (95% CI: 0.757-0.946), and 0.881 (95% CI: 0.806-0.934), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The preoperative radiomic nomogram, incorporating clinical risk factors and a radiomic signature, could predict MVI in patients with HCC. The MRI-based radiomic-clinical model predicted the MVI of HCC effectively and was more efficient compared with the radiomic model or clinical model alone.

Urinary complement proteins and risk of end-stage renal disease: quantitative urinary proteomics in patients with type 2 diabetes and biopsy-proven diabetic nephropathy

PURPOSE

To investigate the association between urinary complement proteins and renal outcome in biopsy-proven diabetic nephropathy (DN).

METHODS

Untargeted proteomic and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) functional analyses and targeted proteomic analysis using parallel reaction-monitoring (PRM)-mass spectrometry was performed to determine the abundance of urinary complement proteins in healthy controls, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients, and patients with T2DM and biopsy-proven DN. The abundance of each urinary complement protein was individually included in Cox proportional hazards models for predicting progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

RESULTS

Untargeted proteomic and functional analysis using the KEGG showed that differentially expressed urinary proteins were primarily associated with the complement and coagulation cascades. Subsequent urinary complement proteins quantification using PRM showed that urinary abundances of C3, C9, and complement factor H (CFAH) correlated negatively with annual estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline, while urinary abundances of C5, decay-accelerating factor (DAF), and CD59 correlated positively with annual rate of eGFR decline. Furthermore, higher urinary abundance of CFAH and lower urinary abundance of DAF were independently associated with greater risk of progression to ESRD. Urinary abundance of CFAH and DAF had a larger area under the curve (AUC) than that of eGFR, proteinuria, or any pathological parameter. Moreover, the model that included CFAH or DAF had a larger AUC than that with only clinical or pathological parameters.

CONCLUSION

Urinary abundance of complement proteins was significantly associated with ESRD in patients with T2DM and biopsy-proven DN, indicating that therapeutically targeting the complement pathway may alleviate progression of DN.

Multifunctional Protection Layers via a Self-Driven Chemical Reaction To Stabilize Lithium Metal Anodes

The Li metal anode is considered one of the most potential anodes due to its highest theoretical specific capacity and the lowest redox potential. However, the scalable preparation of safe Li anodes remains a challenge. In the present study, a LiF-rich protection layer has been developed using self-driven chemical reactions between the Li_3xLa_2/3-xTiO₃/polyvinylidene fluoride/dimethylacetamide (LLTO/PVDF/DMAc) solution and the Li metal. After coating the LLTO/PVDF/DMAc solution to Li foil, PVDF reacted with Li spontaneously to form LiF, and the accompanying Ti⁴⁺ ions (in LLTO) were reduced to Ti³⁺ to form a mixed ionic and electronic conductor Li_xLLTO. The protective layer can redistribute the Li-ion transport, regulate the even Li deposition, and inhibit the Li dendrite growth. When paired with LiFePO₄, NCM811, and S cathodes, the batteries have demonstrated excellent capacity retention and cycling stability. More importantly, a volumetric energy density of 478 Wh L^-1 and 78% capacity retention after 310 cycles have been achieved by using a S/Li_xLLTO-Li pouch cell. This work provides a feasible avenue to provide large-scale preparation of safe Li anodes for the next-generation pouch-type Li-S batteries as ideal power sources for flexible electronic devices.

Mo/P Dual-Doped Co/Oxygen-Deficient Co3O4 Core-Shell Nanorods Supported on Ni Foam for Electrochemical Overall Water Splitting

The exploration for low-cost bifunctional materials for highly efficient overall water splitting has drawn profound research attention. Here, we present a facile preparation of Mo-P dual-doped Co/oxygen-deficient Co₃O₄ core-shell nanorods as a highly efficient electrocatalyst. In this strategy, oxygen vacancies are first generated in Co₃O₄ nanorods by lithium reduction at room temperature, which endows the materials with bifunctional characteristics of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). A Co layer doped with Mo and P is further deposited on the surface of the Co₃O_4-x nanorods to enhance the electrocatalytic hydrolysis performance. As a result, the overpotentials of HER and OER are only 281 and 418 mV at a high current density of 100 mA cm^-2 in 1.0 M KOH, respectively. An overall water electrolytic cell using CoMoP@Co₃O_4-x nanorods as both electrodes can reach 10 mA cm^-2 at 1.614 V with outstanding durability. The improvement is realized by the synergistic effect of oxygen vacancies, Mo/P doping, and core-shell heterostructures for modulating the electronic structure and producing more active sites, which suggests a promising method for developing cost-effective and stable electrocatalysts.

Proatherogenic gut-microbiome metabolite trimethylamine elicits a gut-liver circuit to regulate TMAO metabolism and atherosclerosis via mediation of CREBH

Introduction

In humans, circulating metabolite Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is closely associated with higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Trimethylamine (TMA), a precursor of TMAO, is produced by gut microbiome using dietary components, i.e., choline and carnitine, as substrates. The gut-derived TMA is then transferred to the liver where it is further oxidized to TMAO by the flavin-containing monooxygenases (FMOs). The ER-resident transcription factor c-AMP responsive element binding protein H (CREBH/CREB3L3) is exclusively expressed in the liver and intestine. Perturbation of CREBH activity contributes to the development of hyperlipidemia and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, the Purpose of this study is to investigate the regulatory effect of a gut bacterium, Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila), on TMA and TMAO metabolism and the role of CREBH in this process.

Methods

Two groups of wild type (WT) and CREBH knockout (CREBH-KO) mice were inoculated with 200 μL of A. muciniphila (2×108 cfu/0.2 mL) in PBS or the vehicle (PBS) alone as control every other day through oral gavage for 2 weeks. Plasmas, liver and intestinal tissues were collected for metabolomics analysis, immunoblotting analysis and q-RT-PCR.

Results

Metabolomics analysis of the plasmas from the experimental mice revealed that increased colonization of A. muciniphila in the gut significantly reduced circulating TMA in the WT mice but not in CREBH-KO mice (P&lt;0.05), suggesting that depletion of CREBH altered the microenvironment of gut microbiome which affected the metabolism of TMA by gut bacteria. In the livers, A. muciniphila treatment markedly reduced mRNA expression of FMO1 and FMO3 (P&lt;0.05), which subsequently inhibited the enzymatic conversion of TMA to TMAO in hepatocytes. Immunoblotting analysis further revealed that LDL receptor was upregulated whereas ER stress markers, GRP94 and JNK1/2, were downregulated in the A. muciniphila treated KO mice, indicating an acceleration in lipoprotein (VLDL remnant) clearance from the circulation and the improvement of metabolic inflammation. In vitro, incubation of mouse hepatocytes AML12 with TMA (600 mM) for 12 hours stimulated expression of FMOs to facilitate the conversion of TMA to TMAO and induced lipotoxicity.

Conclusion

CREBH mediates the crosstalk between gut microbiome and liver metabolic system that regulates TMA and TMAO metabolism, which contributes to the induction of metabolic inflammation and atherogenesis. This novel finding may lend support to the therapeutic strategy of atherosclerosis.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): British Heart Foundation

FeNi2P three-dimensional oriented nanosheet array bifunctional catalysts with better full water splitting performance than the full noble metal catalysts

The 3D (three-dimensional) oriented nanosheet array FeNi₂P electrocatalyst grown on carbon cloth (FeNi₂P/CC) is explored in this work. This unique 3D oriented nanosheet array structure can expose more catalytic active sites, promote the penetration of electrolyte solution on the catalyst surface, and facilitate the transfer of ions, thus speeding up the kinetic process of Hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and Oxygen evolution reaction (OER). At the current densities of 10 mA/cm² in 1 M KOH solution, the HER overpotential (71 mV) of the FeNi₂P/CC self-supporting electrode is very close to that of noble metal HER catalyst of 20% Pt/C (54 mV), and its OER overpotential (210 mV) is 34% lower than that of the precious metal OER catalyst of RuO₂ (318 mV), demonstrating the excellent electrocatalytic performance of the FeNi₂P/CC catalyst. Moreover, the cell voltage for full water splitting (at 10 mA/cm² current densities) of the FeNi₂P/CC bifunctional electrode cell is 1.52 V, which is 3.8% lower than that of the full noble-metal electrode reference cell (RuO₂ || Pt/C, 1.58 V), suggesting that this FeNi₂P/CC bifunctional catalyst is likely to replace precious metals to reduce the costs in full water splitting application. According to density functional theory (DFT) calculation results, the introduction of iron atom can change the electronic structure of the Ni₂P, so it can reduce the adsorption energy of hydrogen and oxygen, and facilitate the adsorption and desorption of hydrogen and oxygen on the surface of the catalyst, improving its performance of HER and OER.

A dual-phase alloy with ultrahigh strength-ductility synergy over a wide temperature range

High-entropy alloys (HEAs), as an emerging class of materials, have pointed a pathway in developing alloys with interesting property combinations. Although they are not exempted from the strength-ductility trade-off, they present a standing chance in overcoming this challenge. Here, we report results for a precipitation-strengthening strategy, by tuning composition to design a CoNiV-based face-centered cubic/B2 duplex HEA. This alloy sustains ultrahigh gigapascal-level tensile yield strengths and excellent ductility from cryogenic to elevated temperatures. The highest specific yield strength (~150.2 MPa·cm³/g) among reported ductile HEAs is obtained. The ability of the alloy presented here to sustain this excellent strength-ductility synergy over a wide temperature range is aided by multiple deformation mechanisms i.e., twins, stacking faults, dynamic strain aging, and dynamic recrystallization. Our results open the avenue for designing precipitation-strengthened lightweight HEAs with advanced strength-ductility combinations over a wide service temperature range.

The Ghd7 transcription factor represses ARE1 expression to enhance nitrogen utilization and grain yield in rice

The genetic improvement of nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of crops is vital for grain productivity and sustainable agriculture. However, the regulatory mechanism of NUE remains largely elusive. Here, we report that the rice Grain number, plant height, and heading date7 (Ghd7) gene genetically acts upstream of ABC1 REPRESSOR1 (ARE1), a negative regulator of NUE, to positively regulate nitrogen utilization. As a transcriptional repressor, Ghd7 directly binds to two Evening Element-like motifs in the promoter and intron 1 of ARE1, likely in a cooperative manner, to repress its expression. Ghd7 and ARE1 display diurnal expression patterns in an inverse oscillation manner, mirroring a regulatory scheme based on these two loci. Analysis of a panel of 2656 rice varieties suggests that the elite alleles of Ghd7 and ARE1 have undergone diversifying selection during breeding. Moreover, the allelic distribution of Ghd7 and ARE1 is associated with the soil nitrogen deposition rate in East Asia and South Asia. Remarkably, the combination of the Ghd7 and ARE1 elite alleles substantially improves NUE and yield performance under nitrogen-limiting conditions. Collectively, these results define a Ghd7-ARE1-based regulatory mechanism of nitrogen utilization, providing useful targets for genetic improvement of rice NUE.

Constructing anatase TiO2/Amorphous Nb2O5 heterostructures to enhance photocatalytic degradation of acetaminophen and nitrogen oxide

TiO₂ nanostructures have been one of the most explored metal oxides photocatalysts to apply for environmental remediation. However, its wide band gap results in the underutilization of sunlight for degradation of pollutants. In order to overcome this handicap, the synthesis of TiO₂-based composite has brought extraordinary materials. In this study, we design and prepare TiO₂/Nb₂O₅ heterostructures with different molar ratios by using peroxotitanium and peroxoniobium complex as precursors in aqueous solution. The TiO₂ exists in the form of anatase while Nb₂O₅ is amorphous in the composite, leading to a special crystalline TiO₂/amorphous Nb₂O₅ heterostructures. In particular, Nb element is also doped and Ti³⁺ ions are formed in the TiO₂ lattice, leading to a reduced band gap. The unique TiO₂/0.25Nb₂O₅ (Ti:Nb = 2:1) heterostructures can effectively suppress the recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes, and facilitate the charge transfer, resulting in the optimum photocatalytic performance. The nitrogen oxide removal efficiency by TiO₂/0.25Nb₂O₅ is 77.23% in visible light, which is 3.8-folds and 7.0-folds higher than pure TiO₂ and Nb₂O_5. Photocatalytic degradation of acetaminophen by TiO₂/0.25Nb₂O₅ is 90.6% in visible light, which is approximately 2.5-folds higher than pure TiO₂ and Nb₂O₅.

B and cyano groups co-doped g-C3N4 with multiple defects for photocatalytic nitrogen fixation in ultrapure water without hole scavengers

B atoms and cyano groups co-doped graphite carbon nitride with nitrogen vacancies (VN-BC-CN) was explored via one-step in-situ route. A series of comprehensive experiments confirmed that B atoms and cyano groups had been doped into the framework of graphite carbon nitride, forming VN-BC-CN catalyst sample with a large number of nitrogen-vacancy defects. As electron acceptors, B and cyano groups could be used as active sites for nitrogen conversion. The defect level caused by nitrogen vacancy led to red shift of the light absorption edge, which resulted in higher separation efficiency of photo-induced carriers and faster transfer rate of photo-induced electrons for the VN-BC-CN catalyst. This VN-BC-CN catalyst had good photocatalytic nitrogen fixation performance in the ultrapure water without any hole-scavengers. The nitrogen photofixation rate of VN-BC-CN (115.53 μmol g^-1 h^-1) was 25.5 times that of pure carbon nitride (GCN, 4.53 μmol g^-1 h^-1). Moreover, NH₄⁺ generation rate hardly decreased after 10 h reaction, and the NH₄⁺ generation rate could reach 79.56 μmol g^-1 h^-1 in the fifth cycle, showing the good photocatalytic stability of the VN-BC-CN catalyst.

Cystatin C alleviates H2O2-induced H9c2 cell injury

OBJECTIVE

At present, the incidence of acute myocardial infarction is increasing year by year, and it has become one of the diseases with the highest mortality rate in humans. Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) is a major problem in the treatment of myocardial infarction, but clinically there is no effective way to treat MIRI. This study used Cystatin C (Cys C) to treat cardiomyocytes and rats to investigate the effect of Cys C on MIRI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used H2O2 to induce rat cardiomyocytes (H9c2 cells) injury and stimulated the cells with Cys C. Cell counting kit 8 (CCK8) assay was used to determine the optimal concentration of H2O2 and Cys C to stimulate H9c2 cells. We determined the effects of Cys C on oxidative stress and apoptosis levels in H9c2 cells by measuring the activity of dehydrogenase (LDH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA), and the expression of apoptosis-related molecules (caspase3/8/9, Bax and Bcl-2). Changes in the activity of the NF-κB signaling pathway in H9c2 cells were also detected. In addition, we made rat MIRI models by ligating the coronary arteries and used Cys C to treat rats to verify the effect of Cys C on MIRI.

RESULTS

According to the results of the CCK8 assay, 1000 μM of H2O2 and 15 μM of Cys C were used to stimulate H9c2 cells. Cys C alleviated H2O2-induced H9c2 cell injury, manifested as a decrease in LDH and MDA activity and an increase in SOD activity. Cys C also reduced the apoptosis level in H9c2 cells. The activity of NF-κB signaling pathway in injured H9c2 cells was increased, and stimulation of Cys C could inhibit the NF-κB signaling pathway in H9c2 cells. The application of Cys C in MIRI rats also verified its therapeutic effect on MIRI.

CONCLUSIONS

Cys C reduced the oxidative stress and apoptosis levels of cardiomyocytes by inhibiting the activity of NF-κB signaling pathway in cardiomyocytes, thereby reducing cardiomyocyte injury and treating MIRI.

Organic molecule confinement reaction for preparation of the Sn nanoparticles@graphene anode materials in Lithium-ion battery

Sn@Graphene composites as anode materials in Lithium-ion batteries have attracted intensive interest due to the inherent high capacity. On the other side, the high atomic ratio (Li_4.4Sn) induces the pulverization of the electrode with cycling. Thus, suppressing pulverization by designing the structure of the materials is an essential key for improving cyclability. Applying the nanotechnologies such as electrospinning, soft/hard nano template strategy, surface modification, multi-step chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and so on has demonstrated the huge advantage on this aspect. These strategies are generally used for homogeneous dispersing Sn nanomaterials in graphene matrix or constructing the voids in the inner of the materials to obtain the mechanical buffer effect. Unfortunately, these processes induce huge energy consumption and complicated operation. To solve the issue, new nanotechnology for the composites by the bottom-up strategy (Organic Molecule Confinement Reaction (OMCR)) was shown in this report. A 3D organic nanoframes was synthesized as a graphene precursor by low energy nano emulsification and photopolymerization. SnO₂ nanoparticles@3D organic nanoframes as the composites precursor were in-situ formed in the hydrothermal reaction. After the redox process by the calcination, the Sn nanoparticles with nanovoids (~100 nm, uniform size) were homogeneously dispersed in a Two-Dimensional Laminar Matrix of graphene nanosheets (2DLM_G) by the in-situ patterning and confinement effect from the 3D organic nanoframes. The pulverization and crack of the composites were effectively suppressed, which was proved by the electrochemical testing. The Sn nanoparticles@2DLM_G not delivered just the high cyclability during 200 cycles, but also firstly achieved a high specific capacity (539 mAh g^-1) at the low loading Sn (19.58 wt%).

Tuning the Band Structure of MoS2 via Co9S8@MoS2 Core-Shell Structure to Boost Catalytic Activity for Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

The introduction of a dual-functional interlayer into lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) provides many opportunities for restraining the "shuttle effect" and enhancing sluggish sulfur conversion kinetics. Tuning the band structure of the metal sulfide provides an opportunity to enhance its catalytic activity, which plays an important role in suppressing the "shuttle effect" of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) in LSBs. Here were present a Co₉S₈@MoS₂ core-shell heterostructure anchored to a carbon nanofiber (Co₉S₈@MoS₂/CNF), developed as an interlayer for suppressing the shuttle effect of LiPSs. The fabricated composite heterostructure is determined to be an effective alternative material that combines the synergistic relationship between chemisorption and electrochemical catalysis. We find that the band structure of the MoS₂ shell can be effectively tuned by the Co₉S₈ core and that the Co₉S₈@MoS₂/CNF can capture the LiPSs, providing excellent catalytic ability to convert LiPSs into Li₂S₂, with subsequent transformation from Li₂S₂ to Li₂S. Importantly, high capacities of 1002 and 986 mAh g^-1 can be retained after 50 cycles with high-sulfur loadings of 6 and 10 mg cm^-2. Our results highlight the design of an atomic-scale heterostructure as a multifunctional interlayer providing a synergistic relationship between adsorption and catalysis. The net result is an effective retardation of the shuttling of LiPSs and an enhancement of the electrochemical redox reactions of LiPSs. This work shows great promise toward the development of practical applications of LSBs.

MiR-372-3p promotes tumor progression by targeting LATS2 in colorectal cancer

OBJECTIVE

Many studies suggest that microRNAs can promote the malignant development of tumors. MiRNA-372-3p (miR-372-3p) has been proved to be associated with a variety of cancers. However, the role of miR-372-3p in colorectal cancer (CRC) is unclear.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We analyzed the expression of miR-372-3p in CRC tissues and several CRC cell lines by quantitative Real Time-PCR. The relationship between miR-372-3p and clinical pathology was also analyzed in CRC patients. Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox multivariate analysis were used to evaluate the prognostic significance of miR-372-3p in CRC. Next, we investigated the biological function of miR-372-3p, including cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and analyzed its potential molecular mechanism in vivo and in vitro.

RESULTS

Our data showed that the expression of miR-372-3p was dramatically increased in CRC tissues compared with normal tissues. Moreover, the high expression of miR-372-3p was significantly correlated with tumor size and differentiation. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the high miR-372-3p expression group patients had a significantly shorter recurrence-free survival (RFS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) than those with the low miR-372-3p group. The analysis of the prognostic factors revealed that miR-372-3p was an independent prognostic factor for RFS and DSS in CRC patients. The knockdown of miR-372-3p inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion in HCT116 and SW480 cells. Interestingly, the overexpression of LATS2 partially reversed the miR-372-3p -mediated cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of CRC. Besides, the Hippo signaling pathway was demonstrated to be activated by decreasing of miR-372-3p in CRC. Thus, our study revealed that miR-372-3p is involved in CRC progression by inhibiting the Hippo signaling pathway through its target LATS2. MiR-372-3p and its target genes with signaling pathways are new hope for precise treatment of CRC.

CONCLUSIONS

The upregulation of miR-372-3p was involved in the process of CRC progression by inhibiting the Hippo signaling pathway through inhibition of LATS2. We showed that miR-372-3p and its target genes with signaling pathways are a novel hope for precise treatment of CRC.

Whole-genome sequencing reveals breed-differential CNVs between Tongcheng and Large White pigs

Large phenotypic differences have been observed between Tongcheng and Large White pigs. However, little is known about their genetic basis. This study performed a genome-wide comparison of CNVs between Tongcheng and Large White pigs using genome sequencing data. By combining the advantages of three different strategies (read depth, paired-end mapping and split read), we detected in total 18 687 CNVs that covered approximately 3.5% of the pig genome length for Tongcheng and Large White pigs. We identified 1864 breed-stratified CNVs (top 10%) by performing V_ST statistics. Functional enrichment analyses for genes located in breed-stratified CNVs were found to be involved in pigmentation, behavior, immune system and reproductive processes, which coincide with phenotypic differences between the two breeds. Using a systematic analysis of the genome and transcriptome data, we further identified four novel breed-differential CNVs on the functional genes (disease-resistant, DCUN1D2 and SPARCL1; lipid metabolism, PLEKHA2 and SLCO1A2). Subsequent PCR validation confirmed their accurate breakpoint positions in 33 Tongcheng pigs and 33 Large White pigs. This study provides essential information on differential CNVs for further research on the genetic basis of phenotypic differences between Tongcheng and Large White pigs.

Gender and age differences in the association between sleep characteristics and fasting glucose levels in Chinese adults

AIM

The present study examined the associations between night-time sleep duration, midday napping duration and bedtime, and fasting glucose levels, and whether or not such associations are dependent on gender and age.

METHODS

This study was a cross-sectional analysis of 172,901 adults aged≥40 years living in mainland China. Sleep duration was obtained by self-reports of bedtime at night, waking-up time the next morning and average napping duration at midday. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG)≥7.0mmol/L was defined as hyperglycaemia. Independent associations between night-time sleep duration, midday naptime duration and bedtime with hyperglycaemia were evaluated using regression models.

RESULTS

Compared with night-time sleep durations of 6-7.9h, both short (<6h) and long (≥8h) night-time sleep durations were significantly associated with an increased risk of hyperglycaemia in women [odds ratio (OR): 1.12, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-1.29 and OR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.08-1.21, respectively], and revealed a U-shaped distribution of risk in women and no significant association in men. Long midday nap durations (≥1h) were significantly but weakly associated with hyperglycaemia (OR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01-1.09) compared with no napping without interactions from gender or age, whereas the association between bedtime and fasting glucose levels did vary according to gender and age.

CONCLUSION

Night-time sleep duration, midday napping duration and bedtime were all independently associated with the risk of hyperglycaemia, and some of the associations between these sleep characteristics and hyperglycaemia were gender- and age-dependent.

Universal energy scaling law for optimally excited nonlinear oscillators

We compute the optimal temporal profile for an external driving force F(t) that can maximize the energy absorption of any driven nonlinear oscillator. The technique is based on constraining the maximum amplitude of the force field such that optimal control theory can provide quasianalytical solutions. We illustrate this computational technique for the undamped Duffing oscillator as well as for a driven quantum mechanical two-level system. We find that under optimal force conditions the asymptotic time-dependence of the maximum amplitude growth is given by a power law X(t)∼t^{2/α}, where the (possibly noninteger) exponent is determined by the highest degree of the oscillator's nonlinearity α. As a universal result, this predicts that the maximal energy absorption of any nonlinear oscillator grows (under an optimized force field) quadratically in time. We also find for the two-level system that-even under optimized excitation conditions-the maximally achievable inversion does not monotonically increase with the force amplitude. It is characterized by an interesting sequence of n-cycle thresholds as well as a self-termination of the growth.

Symbiotic versus nonsymbiotic optimization for spatial and temporal degrees of freedom in pair creation

The field-induced decay of the quantum vacuum state associated with the creation of electron-positron pairs can be caused independently by either multiphoton transitions or by tunneling processes. The first mechanism is usually induced by appropriate temporal variations of the external field while the second (Schwinger-like) process occurs if a static but spatially dependent electric field is of supercritical strength. The ultimate goal is to construct an optimal space-time profile of an electromagnetic field that can maximize the creation of particle pairs. The simultaneous optimization of parameters that characterize the spatial and temporal features of both fields suggests that the optimal two-field configuration can be remarkably similar to that predicted from two independent optimizations for the spatial and temporal fields separately.

O3-Type Layered Ni-Rich Oxide: A High-Capacity and Superior-Rate Cathode for Sodium-Ion Batteries

Inspired by its high-active and open layered framework for fast Li⁺ extraction/insertion reactions, layered Ni-rich oxide is proposed as an outstanding Na-intercalated cathode for high-performance sodium-ion batteries. An O3-type Na_0.75 Ni_0.82 Co_0.12 Mn_0.06 O₂ is achieved through a facile electrochemical ion-exchange strategy in which Li⁺ ions are first extracted from the LiNi_0.82 Co_0.12 Mn_0.06 O₂ cathode and Na⁺ ions are then inserted into a layered oxide framework. Furthermore, the reaction mechanism of layered Ni-rich oxide during Na⁺ extraction/insertion is investigated in detail by combining ex situ X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and electron energy loss spectroscopy. As an excellent cathode for Na-ion batteries, O3-type Na_0.75 Ni_0.82 Co_0.12 Mn_0.06 O₂ delivers a high reversible capacity of 171 mAh g^-1 and a remarkably stable discharge voltage of 2.8 V during long-term cycling. In addition, the fast Na⁺ transport in the cathode enables high rate capability with 89 mAh g^-1 at 9 C. The as-prepared Ni-rich oxide cathode is expected to significantly break through the limited performance of current sodium-ion batteries.

Li0.35La0.55TiO3 Nanofibers Enhanced Poly(vinylidene fluoride)-Based Composite Polymer Electrolytes for All-Solid-State Batteries

Using polymer electrolytes with relatively high mechanical strength, enhanced safety, and excellent flexibility to replace the conventional liquid electrolytes is an effective strategy to curb the Li-dendrite growth in Li-metal batteries (LMBs). However, low ionic conductivity, unsatisfactory thermal stability, and narrow electrochemical window still hinder their applications. Here, we fabricate Li_0.35La_0.55TiO₃ (LLTO) nanofiber-enabled poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)-based composite polymer electrolytes (CPEs) with enhanced mechanical property and wide electrochemical window. The results show that 15 wt % of LLTO nanofibers synergize with PVDF, giving a flexible electrolyte membrane with significantly improved performance, such as high ionic conductivity (5.3 × 10^-4 S cm^-1), wide electrochemical window (5.1 V), high mechanical strength (stress 9.5 MPa, strain 341%), and good thermal stability (thermal degradation 410 °C). In addition, an all-solid-state Li-metal battery of sandwich-type LiFePO₄/PVDF-CPE (15 wt % of LLTO)/Li delivers satisfactory cycling stability and outstanding rate performance. A reversible capacity of 121 mA h g^-1 is delivered at 1 C after 100 cycles. This work exemplifies that the introduction of LLTO nanofibers can improve the electrochemical performances of PVDF-based CPEs used as electrolytes for all-solid-state LMBs.

Spatial Patterns of Brain Activity Preferentially Reflecting Transient Pain and Stimulus Intensity

How pain emerges in the human brain remains an unresolved question. Neuroimaging studies have suggested that several brain areas subserve pain perception because their activation correlates with perceived pain intensity. However, painful stimuli are often intense and highly salient; therefore, using both intensity- and saliency-matched control stimuli is crucial to isolate pain-selective brain responses. Here, we used these intensity/saliency-matched painful and non-painful stimuli to test whether pain-selective information can be isolated in the functional magnetic resonance imaging responses elicited by painful stimuli. Using two independent datasets, multivariate pattern analysis was able to isolate features distinguishing the responses triggered by (1) intensity/saliency-matched painful versus non-painful stimuli, and (2) high versus low-intensity/saliency stimuli regardless of whether they elicit pain. This indicates that neural activity in the so-called "pain matrix" is functionally heterogeneous, and part of it carries information related to both painfulness and intensity/saliency. The response features distinguishing these aspects are spatially distributed and cannot be ascribed to specific brain structures.

Chicken infectious anemia virus helps fowl adenovirus break the protection of maternal antibody and cause inclusion body hepatitis-hydropericardium syndrome in layers after using co-contaminated Newcastle disease virus-attenuated vaccine

Inclusion body hepatitis-hydropericardium syndrome (IBH-HPS) caused by fowl adenovirus type 4 (FAdV-4) has caused huge economic losses for China in the past five years. At present, this disease is controlled in many flocks with the inactivated FAdV vaccine, but the offspring chicks of a layer breeding flock that were vaccinated with this vaccine still became infected and developed IBH-HPS with a 20% mortality rate. Analysis revealed that the NDV-attenuated vaccine in use from the above-mentioned poultry farm was simultaneously contaminated with FAdV-4 and chicken infectious anemia virus (CIAV). The FAdV and CIAV isolated from the vaccine were purified for the artificial preparation of an NDV-attenuated vaccine singly contaminated with FAdV or CIAV, or simultaneously contaminated with both of them. Seven-day-old layers with maternal FAdV antibody were inoculated with the artificially prepared, contaminated vaccines and assessed for corresponding indices. The experiments showed that no obvious symptoms occurred after using the NDV-attenuated vaccine singly contaminated with FAdV or CIAV; however, common IBH and occasional HPS-related death was found in birds after administering the NDV-attenuated vaccine co-contaminated with FAdV and CIAV. In conclusion, this study illustrated that CIAV could assist FAdV in breaking maternal FAdV antibody protection, which then caused the IBH-HPS after vaccination with the co-contaminated NDV vaccine.

Dirac Vacuum as a Transport Medium for Information

Usually, the transport of information requires either an electromagnetic field or matter as a carrier. It turns out that the Dirac vacuum modes could be exploited as a potentially loss-free carrier of information between two distant locations in space. At the first location, a spatially localized electric field is placed, whose temporal shape is modulated, for example, as a binary sequence of distinguishable high and low values of the amplitude. The resulting distortion of the vacuum state reflecting this information propagates then to a second location, where this digital signal can be read off sequentially by a static electric field pulse. If this second field is supercritical, it can create electron-positron pairs from the manipulated vacuum state. The original information transported by the vacuum mode is then imprinted on the temporal behavior of the created particle yield for a selected energy.

Effects of oat protein supplementation on skeletal muscle damage, inflammation and performance recovery following downhill running in untrained collegiate men

The positive influence of animal-based protein supplementation during muscle-damaging exercise has been widely studied. However, the effects of plant-based proteins remain unclear and require further clarification. This study investigated the protective role of oat protein against exercise induced muscle damage (EIMD), subsequent inflammation, and loss of performance induced by downhill running. Subjects consumed either oat protein (25 g protein) or a placebo for 14 days prior to a downhill running test and then for 4 days thereafter. Treatments with oat protein for 19 days markedly alleviated eccentric exercise induced skeletal muscle soreness, and reduced the elevation of plasma IL-6 concentrations and serum creatine kinase, myoglobin and C reactive protein contents. In addition, oat protein supplementation significantly inhibited limb edema following damaging exercise, and the adverse effects on muscle strength, knee-joint range of motion, and vertical jump performance were lessened. Furthermore, the administration of oat protein facilitated recovery from exhaustive downhill running in this study. These findings demonstrated that oat protein supplementation has the potential to alleviate the negative effects of eccentric exercise in untrained young males.

Analysis of factors that influence the quality of sexual life of climacteric women in China

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to identify the factors associated with the sexual lives of perimenopausal and postmenopausal women in China.

METHODS

A total of 426 participants were approached about this study from May 2012 to August 2013. In total, 252 cases were included in this study. One hundred and ninety-seven women who filled out the Quality of Sexual Life Questionnaire for Women (QSLQW) and the modified Kupperman Menopausal Index (KMI) had an active sexual life. Pearson's coefficient index was used to determine the correlation between the KMI and different domains of the QSLQW. Multivariable statistical analysis was performed to determine the correlation between different factors and the sexual life of perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.

RESULTS

When the participants reported a higher KMI, they suffered lower sexual satisfaction (r = -0.16, p = 0.035), more severe sexual anxiety (r = -0.367, p = 4.9 × 10^-7), and less sexual response (r = -0.21, p = 0.004). No correlation was found between the KMI and sexual communication, sexual attitude, and self-image. Multivariable statistical analysis showed that menopause status and higher KMI scores are associated with a decrease in sexual satisfaction among Chinese women (β = -9.76, 95% CI -16.89 to -2.64 and β = -0.41, 95% CI -0.68 to -0.15, respectively), and that the better the spousal relationship, the fewer deliveries and the higher the scores of sexual life quality (β = 8.86, 95% CI -0.91 to 18.63 and β = -6.65, 95% CI -11.83 to -1.48, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Factors including parity, spousal relationship, menopausal status, and menopausal symptoms are associated with the quality of sexual life of perimenopausal and postmenopausal women in China.

Manipulation of the Vacuum to Control Its Field-Induced Decay

It has long been predicted that permanent electron-positron pairs can be created from the quantum vacuum at those spatial regions where an external electric field exceeds a supercritical value. By solving the Dirac equation numerically, we show that the yield of the created positrons at targeted energies can be controlled via a second (subcritical) electric field that is placed far outside the creation zone. This is a clear indication of the nonlocal character of the pair-creation process, as the second field can be placed at distant spatial regions that are never visited by the created positrons. This counterintuitive phenomenon can be understood in terms of a dressing of the vacuum state long before the particles are actually created. We present an analytical expression for the spectrum of the created particles that describes all quantitative features of this dressing and predicts how the second field can be used to increase as well as decrease the electron-positron yield for desired energies.

[Research progress of salivary glands mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma]

Salivary glands mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma (SGML) is a distinct subtype of marginal zone B-cell type non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), which is commonly seen in middle aged females. SGML is usually associated with autoimmune diseases such as Sjögren's syndrome or with chronic infection such as hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Chromosomal abnormalities are frequently seen in SGML, which usually activate nuclear factor-κB molecular pathway to modulate cell survival and proliferation, resulting in lymphoma occurrence. SGML tends to arise from parotid gland, presenting frequently as a localized and indolent lesion, a long-term follow-up and biopsy are needed for accurate diagnosis. Surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are usually effective disseminated diseases at multiple sites need combined treatment. SGML has a relatively better prognosis with a higher relapse rate than other types of NHLs, dissemination or higher degree of malignant transformation may occur. Thus, a long-term and close follow-up is essential for patients with SGML.