Yishen Tongbi decoction attenuates inflammation and bone destruction in rheumatoid arthritis by regulating JAK/STAT3/SOCS3 pathway.

Background: Yishen-Tongbi Decoction (YSTB), a traditional Chinese prescription, has been used to improve syndromes of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for many years. Previous research has shown that YSTB has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of the anti-RA effects of YSTB remains unclear. Purpose and study design: The purpose of this research was to investigate how YSTB affected mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and RAW264.7 cells induced with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Results: The findings show that YSTB could significantly improve the clinical arthritic symptoms of CIA mice (mitigate paw swelling, arthritis score, thymus and spleen indices, augment body weight), downregulated expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines like tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), IL-6 and IL-17, while upregulated the level of anti-inflammatory like IL-10 and transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß). Meanwhile, YSTB inhibits bone erosion and reduces inflammatory cell infiltration, synovial proliferation, and joint destruction in CIA mice. In addition, we found that YSTB was able to suppress the LPS-induced inflammation of RAW264.7 cells, which was ascribed to the suppression of nitric oxide (NO) production and reactive oxygen species formation (ROS). YSTB also inhibited the production of inducible nitric oxide synthase and reduced the releases of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. Furthermore, the phosphorylation expression of JAK2, JAK3, STAT3, p38, ERK and p65 protein could be suppressed by YSTB, while the expression of SOCS3 could be activated. Conclusion: Taken together, YSTB possesses anti-inflammatory and prevention bone destruction effects in RA disease by regulating the JAK/STAT3/SOCS3 signaling pathway.

The output of cataract surgery performed by trained non-ophthalmologist physicians in rural areas: study of cataract outcomes and up-take of services report 7.

BACKGROUND: Cataract is the leading cause of blindness worldwide and surgery can restore vision in most patients. Some patients have little access to surgical services due to lack of cataract surgeons and the unaffordable costs. In 2005 we built a service model that trained rural non-ophthalmologist physicians to perform cataract surgeries in rural China. This study evaluates the long-term impacts of this model. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study to analyze patients' hand-written medical records and electronic outpatient record between January 2005 and December 2019 at two rural health clinics in Southern China. RESULTS: In total, 34,601 patients (49,942 eyes) underwent cataract surgery by non-ophthalmologist physicians from 2005 to 2019.Visual acuity was clearly documented in 38,251 eyes. Before surgery, the unaided distance visual acuity (UDVA) of 60.7% (23,205/38,251) eyes was less than 0.05 decimal. On the first day after surgery, the percentage of UDVA < 0.05 eyes was reduced to 6.0%, and 96.7% (36,980/38,251) of the eyes achieved a better UDVA compared to pre-operation. Surgical-related complications occurred in 218 eyes. The most common complication was posterior capsule rupture (114, 0.23%). 44.3% (15,341/34,601) of the patients chose to have a second eye cataract surgery (SECS) in the same clinic. At one of the outpatient clinics, 21,595 patients received basic eye care apart from cataract surgery between 2018 and 2020. CONCLUSIONS: Non-ophthalmologist physicians trained for cataract surgeries in rural clinics can improve cataract related visual acuity and basic eye care to the local population.

Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential contributes to accelerated chronic kidney disease progression.

Background: Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) is a common inflammatory condition of aging that causes myriad end-organ damage. We have recently shown associations for CHIP with acute kidney injury and with kidney function decline in the general population, with stronger associations for CHIP driven by mutations in genes other than DNMT3A (non- DNMT3A CHIP). Longitudinal kidney function endpoints in individuals with pre-existing chronic kidney disease (CKD) and CHIP have been examined in two previous studies, which reported conflicting findings and were limited by small sample sizes. Methods: In this study, we examined the prospective associations between CHIP and CKD progression events in four cohorts of CKD patients (total N = 5,772). The primary outcome was a composite of 50% kidney function decline or kidney failure. The slope of eGFR decline was examined as a secondary outcome. Mendelian randomization techniques were then used to investigate potential causal effects of CHIP on eGFR decline. Finally, kidney function was assessed in adenine-fed CKD model mice having received a bone marrow transplant recapitulating Tet2 -CHIP compared to controls transplanted wild-type bone marrow. Results: Across all cohorts, the average age was 66.4 years, the average baseline eGFR was 42.6 ml/min/1.73m 2 , and 24% had CHIP. Upon meta-analysis, non- DNMT3A CHIP was associated with a 59% higher relative risk of incident CKD progression (HR 1.59, 95% CI: 1.02-2.47). This association was more pronounced among individuals with diabetes (HR 1.29, 95% CI: 1.03-1.62) and with baseline eGFR ≥ 30 ml/min/1.73m (HR 1.80, 95% CI: 1.11-2.90). Additionally, the annualized slope of eGFR decline was steeper among non- DNMT3A CHIP carriers, relative to non-carriers (ß -0.61 ± 0.31 ml/min/1.73m 2 , p = 0.04). Mendelian randomization analyses suggested a causal role for CHIP in eGFR decline among individuals with diabetes. In a dietary adenine mouse model of CKD, Tet2 -CHIP was associated with lower GFR as well as greater kidney inflammation, tubular injury, and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Conclusion: Non- DNMT3A CHIP is a potentially targetable novel risk factor for CKD progression.

Imparting Ultrahigh Strength to Polymers via a New Concept Strategy of Construction of up to Duodecuple Hydrogen Bonding among Macromolecular Chains.

Interconnecting macromolecules via multiple hydrogen bonds (H-bonds) can simultaneously strengthen and toughen polymers, but material synthesis becomes extremely difficult with increasing number of H-bonding donors and acceptors; therefore, most reports are limited to triple and quadruple H-bonds. Herein, this bottleneck is overcome by adopting a quartet-wise approach of constructing H-bonds instead of the traditional pairwise method. Thus, large multiple hydrogen bonds can be easily established, and the supramolecular interactions are further reinforced. Especially, when such multiple H-bond motifs are embedded in polymers, four macromolecular chains-rather than two as usual-are tied, distributing the applied stress over a larger volume and more significantly improving the overall mechanical properties. Proof-of-concept studies indicate that the proposed intermolecular multiple H-bonds (up to duodecuple) are readily introduced in polyurethane. A record-high tensile strength (105.2 MPa) is achieved alongside outstanding toughness (352.1 MJ m-3), fracture energy (480.7 kJ m-2), and fatigue threshold (2978.4 J m-2). Meantime, the polyurethane has acquired excellent self-healability and recyclability. This strategy is also applicable to nonpolar polymers, such as polydimethylsiloxane, whose strength (15.3 MPa) and toughness (50.3 MJ m-3) are among the highest reported to date for silicones. This new technique has good expandability and can be used to develop even more and stronger polymers.

Rapid axial roll test outperforms alternative positional tests in identifying the affected ear in HSC-BPPV: an observational cohort study.

Purpose: To evaluate the utility of supine roll test (SRT) and alternative positional tests, such as head-shaking test (HST), seated supine positioning test (SSPT), bow and lean test (BLT), and rapid axial roll test (RART) in determining the affected semicircular canal of horizontal semicircular canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (HSC-BPPV). Methods: In an observational cohort study, 553 patients diagnosed with HSC-BPPV were divided into five groups in terms of different positional tests received: SRT group (n = 110), HST+ SRT (n = 112), BLT + SRT (n = 114), SSPT+SRT (n = 108) and RART+SRT (n = 109). The same method was used for the last four groups: The patients were first subjected to different alternative positional tests and then to SRT, and the nystagmus was observed separately to determine the affected side. The primary outcomes compared included the accuracy and sensitivity of these tests in the determination of the affected semicircular canal in HSC-BPPV. Results: Patients with nystagmus elicited by positional tests accounted for 84.99% (470/553). The elicitation rate of nystagmus of SRT was lowest, being 77.27% (85/110). The elicitation rate of nystagmus were higher in the test groups than in the control group, and RART+SRT group yielded the highest elicitation rate of nystagmus (95.41%, 104/109). Among the alternative positional tests, RART attained the highest elicitation rate of nystagmus (101/109, 92.66%). Comparison between alternative positional tests and SRT, RART and SRT showed obviously better agreement in determining the affected semicircular canal (85.45%, 96/109) and eliciting nystagmus (95.41%, Kappa = 0.642), but no difference was found in curative effect when the affected side was accurately determined (χ2 = 1.618, p = 0.655). Conclusion: All alternative positional tests are helpful for eliciting nystagmus in patients with HSC-BPPV, and the significant advantages of RART include high-sensitivity in eliciting nystagmus and high accuracy in determining the affected semicircular canal, which provided objective support for the correct diagnosis of HSC-BPPV and the successful reduction of otolith.

Stomach as the target organ of Rickettsia heilongjiangensis infection in C57BL/6 mice identified by click chemistry.

Spotted fever group rickettsiae (SFGR) are obligate intracellular bacteria that cause spotted fever. The limitations of gene manipulation pose great challenges to studying the infection mechanisms of Rickettsia. By combining bioorthogonal metabolism and click chemistry, we developed a method to label R. heilongjiangensis via azide moieties and achieved rapid pathogen localization without complex procedures. Moreover, we constructed a C57BL/6 mice infection model by simulating tick bites and discovered that the stomach is the target organ of R. heilongjiangensis infection through in vivo imaging systems, which explained the occurrence of gastrointestinal symptoms following R. heilongjiangensis infection in some cases. This study offers a unique perspective for subsequent investigations into the pathogenic mechanisms of SFGR and identifies a potential target organ for R. heilongjiangensis.

Prodrug-inspired adenosine triphosphate-activatable celastrol-Fe(III) chelate for cancer therapy.

Celastrol (CEL), an active compound isolated from the root of Tripterygium wilfordii, exhibits broad anticancer activities. However, its poor stability, narrow therapeutic window and numerous adverse effects limit its applications in vivo. In this study, an adenosine triphosphate (ATP) activatable CEL-Fe(III) chelate was designed, synthesized, and then encapsulated with a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive polymer to obtain CEL-Fe nanoparticles (CEL-Fe NPs). In normal tissues, CEL-Fe NPs maintain structural stability and exhibit reduced systemic toxicity, while at the tumor site, an ATP-ROS-rich tumor microenvironment, drug release is triggered by ROS, and antitumor potency is restored by competitive binding of ATP. This intelligent CEL delivery system improves the biosafety and bioavailability of CEL for cancer therapy. Such a CEL-metal chelate strategy not only mitigates the challenges associated with CEL but also opens avenues for the generation of CEL derivatives, thereby expanding the therapeutic potential of CEL in clinical settings.

Corrosion Behavior of Al-Containing CoNiV Medium Entropy Alloy Coating Fabricated by Laser Cladding.

CoNiV medium entropy alloys (MEAs) have been widely recognized for their superior corrosion resistance. Nonetheless, their extensive application has been hindered by high production costs and complex fabrication processes. In this study, CoNiVAlx MEA coatings were synthesized on AISI 304 stainless steel substrates via laser cladding technology. The microstructure, phase composition, corrosion resistance, and corrosion mechanisms of the coatings were systematically investigated by using advanced characterization techniques, including optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, and electrochemical workstation analysis. The ratio of O2-/OH- in the passivation film of the coated surface exhibited a gradual increase with the addition of Al. The formation of the Al-containing precipitated phase L21 was observed at x = 0.3 and 0.4. The results demonstrated that moderate Al doping (x ≤ 0.2) enhanced corrosion resistance by improving the stability of the passivation film and reducing the thermodynamic tendency toward corrosion. In contrast, excessive Al doping (x > 0.2) led to the formation of the L21 phase, which increased the susceptibility to localized corrosion, thus compromising the overall corrosion resistance.

Modeling of Concrete Deterioration under External Sulfate Attack and Drying-Wetting Cycles: A Review.

This paper comprehensively summarizes moisture transport, ion transport, and mechanical damage models applied to concrete under sulfate attack and drying-wetting cycles. It highlights the essential aspects and principles of each model, emphasizing their significance in understanding the movement of moisture and ions, as well as the resulting mechanical damage within the concrete during these degradation processes. The paper critically analyzes the assumptions made in each model, shedding light on their limitations and implications for prediction accuracy. Two primary challenges faced by current models under sulfate attack and drying-wetting cycles are identified: the limited consideration of the coupled effects of chemical and physical attacks from sulfate, and the unclear mechanism of the sulfate attacks. Future research directions are proposed, focusing on exploring the transport mechanism of sulfate ions under various driving forces and further clarifying the crystallization process and expansion damage mechanism in concrete pores. Addressing these research directions will advance our understanding of sulfate attack under drying-wetting cycles, leading to improved models and mitigation strategies for enhancing the durability and performance of concrete structures.

Characteristics of pain empathic networks in healthy and primary dysmenorrhea women: an fMRI study.

Pain empathy enables us to understand and share how others feel pain. Few studies have investigated pain empathy-related functional interactions at the whole-brain level across all networks. Additionally, women with primary dysmenorrhea (PDM) have abnormal pain empathy, and the association among the whole-brain functional network, pain, and pain empathy remain unclear. Using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and machine learning analysis, we identified the brain functional network connectivity (FNC)-based features that are associated with pain empathy in two studies. Specifically, Study 1 examined 41 healthy controls (HCs), while Study 2 investigated 45 women with PDM. Additionally, in Study 3, a classification analysis was performed to examine the differences in FNC between HCs and women with PDM. Pain empathy was evaluated using a visual stimuli experiment, and trait and state of menstrual pain were recorded. In Study 1, the results showed that pain empathy in HCs relied on dynamic interactions across whole-brain networks and was not concentrated in a single or two brain networks, suggesting the dynamic cooperation of networks for pain empathy in HCs. In Study 2, PDM exhibited a distinctive network for pain empathy. The features associated with pain empathy were concentrated in the sensorimotor network (SMN). In Study 3, the SMN-related dynamic FNC could accurately distinguish women with PDM from HCs and exhibited a significant association with trait menstrual pain. This study may deepen our understanding of the neural mechanisms underpinning pain empathy and suggest that menstrual pain may affect pain empathy through maladaptive dynamic interaction between brain networks.

Fast Low-Sidelobe Pattern Synthesis Using the Symmetry of Array Geometry.

Array pattern synthesis with low sidelobe levels is widely used in practice. An effective way to incorporate sensor patterns in the design procedure is to use numerical optimization methods. However, the dimension of the optimization variables is very high for large-scale arrays, leading to high computational complexity. Fortunately, sensor arrays used in practice usually have symmetric structures that can be utilized to accelerate the optimization algorithms. This paper studies a fast pattern synthesis method by using the symmetry of array geometry. In this method, the problem of amplitude weighting is formulated as a second-order cone programming (SOCP) problem, in which the dynamic range of the weighting coefficients can also be taken into account. Then, by utilizing the symmetric property of array geometry, the dimension of the optimization problem as well as the number of constraints can be reduced significantly. As a consequence, the computational efficiency is greatly improved. Numerical experiments show that, for a uniform rectangular array (URA) with 1024 sensors, the computational efficiency is improved by a factor of 158, while for a uniform hexagonal array (UHA) with 1261 sensors, the improvement factor is 284.

Bearing-DETR: A Lightweight Deep Learning Model for Bearing Defect Detection Based on RT-DETR.

Detecting bearing defects accurately and efficiently is critical for industrial safety and efficiency. This paper introduces Bearing-DETR, a deep learning model optimised using the Real-Time Detection Transformer (RT-DETR) architecture. Enhanced with Dysample Dynamic Upsampling, Efficient Model Optimization (EMO) with Meta-Mobile Blocks (MMB), and Deformable Large Kernel Attention (D-LKA), Bearing-DETR offers significant improvements in defect detection while maintaining a lightweight framework suitable for low-resource devices. Validated on a dataset from a chemical plant, Bearing-DETR outperformed the standard RT-DETR, achieving a mean average precision (mAP) of 94.3% at IoU = 0.5 and 57.5% at IoU = 0.5-0.95. It also reduced floating-point operations (FLOPs) to 8.2 G and parameters to 3.2 M, underscoring its enhanced efficiency and reduced computational demands. These results demonstrate the potential of Bearing-DETR to transform maintenance strategies and quality control across manufacturing environments, emphasising adaptability and impact on sustainability and operational costs.

Gut microbiota promotes macrophage M1 polarization in hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome via regulating intestinal barrier function mediated by butyrate.

BACKGROUND: The intestinal-liver axis is associated with various liver diseases. Here, we verified the role of the gut microbiota and macrophage activation in the progression of pyrrolizidine alkaloids-induced hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (PA-HSOS), and explored the possible mechanisms and new treatment options. METHODS: The HSOS murine model was induced by gavage of monocrotaline (MCT). An analysis of 16S ribosomal DNA (16S rDNA) of the feces was conducted to determine the composition of the fecal microbiota. Macrophage clearance, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), and butyrate supplementation experiments were used to assess the role of intestinal flora, gut barrier, and macrophage activation and to explore the relationships among these three variables. RESULTS: Activated macrophages and low microflora diversity were observed in HSOS patients and murine models. Depletion of macrophages attenuated inflammatory reactions and apoptosis in the mouse liver. Moreover, compared with control-FMT mice, the exacerbation of severe liver injury was detected in HSOS-FMT mice. Specifically, butyrate fecal concentrations were significantly reduced in HSOS mice, and administration of butyrate could partially alleviated liver damage and improved the intestinal barrier in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, elevated lipopolysaccharides in the portal vein and high proportions of M1 macrophages in the liver were also detected in HSOS-FMT mice and mice without butyrate treatment, which resulted in severe inflammatory responses and further accelerated HSOS progression. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggested that the gut microbiota exacerbated HSOS progression by regulating macrophage M1 polarization via altered intestinal barrier function mediated by butyrate. Our study has identified new strategies for the clinical treatment of HSOS.

Phosphoribosylpyrophosphate synthetase as a metabolic valve advances Methylobacterium/Methylorubrum phyllosphere colonization and plant growth.

The proficiency of phyllosphere microbiomes in efficiently utilizing plant-provided nutrients is pivotal for their successful colonization of plants. The methylotrophic capabilities of Methylobacterium/Methylorubrum play a crucial role in this process. However, the precise mechanisms facilitating efficient colonization remain elusive. In the present study, we investigate the significance of methanol assimilation in shaping the success of mutualistic relationships between methylotrophs and plants. A set of strains originating from Methylorubrum extorquens AM1 are subjected to evolutionary pressures to thrive under low methanol conditions. A mutation in the phosphoribosylpyrophosphate synthetase gene is identified, which converts it into a metabolic valve. This valve redirects limited C1-carbon resources towards the synthesis of biomass by up-regulating a non-essential phosphoketolase pathway. These newly acquired bacterial traits demonstrate superior colonization capabilities, even at low abundance, leading to increased growth of inoculated plants. This function is prevalent in Methylobacterium/Methylorubrum strains. In summary, our findings offer insights that could guide the selection of Methylobacterium/Methylorubrum strains for advantageous agricultural applications.

RESC14 and RESC8 cooperate to mediate RESC function and dynamics during trypanosome RNA editing.

Mitochondrial transcripts in Trypanosoma brucei require extensive uridine insertion/deletion RNA editing to generate translatable open reading frames. The RNA editing substrate binding complex (RESC) serves as the scaffold that coordinates the protein-protein and protein-RNA interactions during editing. RESC broadly contains two modules termed the guide RNA binding complex (GRBC) and the RNA editing mediator complex (REMC), as well as organizer proteins. How the protein and RNA components of RESC dynamically interact to facilitate editing is not well understood. Here, we examine the roles of organizer proteins, RESC8 and RESC14, in facilitating RESC dynamics. High-throughput sequencing of editing intermediates reveals an overlapping RESC8 and RESC14 function during editing progression across multiple transcripts. Blue native PAGE analysis demonstrates that RESC14 is essential for incorporation of RESC8 into a large RNA-containing complex, while RESC8 is important in recruiting a smaller ribonucleoprotein complex (RNP) to this large complex. Proximity labeling shows that RESC14 is important for stable RESC protein-protein interactions, as well as RESC-RECC associations. Together, our data support a model in which RESC14 is necessary for assembly of editing competent RESC through recruitment of an RNP containing RESC8, GRBC and gRNA to REMC and mRNA.

Highly flexible yet strain-insensitive conjugated polymer.

Imparting excellent electrical properties, mechanical robustness, suppleness, conduction stability during deformation, and self-healing to intrinsic conducting polymers is a challenging endeavor. The reversibly interlocked macromolecular networks (RILNs) approach is utilized to tackle this problem. Specifically, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) is mixed with flexible polysulfonic acid networks crosslinked by reversible Diels-Alder bonds, while rigid polyaniline networks crosslinked by reversible Schiff base bonds act as molecular staples. Owing to the joint actions of the doping effect of polyaniline on PEDOT, the specific interlocking architecture and synergy between the component materials, the electrical conductivity (59.3-980.5 S cm-1), tensile strength (8.4-81.6 MPa) and elongation at break (44.5-411.0%) of the resultant PEDOT/RILNs films is significantly tunable according to different usage scenarios by adjusting the PEDOT content from 1.48 to 22.24 wt%. More importantly, the electrical resistance of PEDOT/RILNs remains constant during not only a single large extension and deflection but also repeated stretching (up to 1500 cycles) and bending (up to 106 cycles). The built-in reversible covalent bonds enable the PEDOT/RILNs to autonomously restore damaged mechanical and electrical performance. These record-breaking results and the demonstration of self-powered sensor made of PEDOT/RILNs suggest that the proposed approach successfully satisfies various conflicting requirements of flexible electronics regarding the properties of conducting polymers.

KMT2D-mediated H3K4me1 recruits YBX1 to facilitate triple-negative breast cancer progression through epigenetic activation of c-Myc.

BACKGROUND: Lysine methyltransferase 2D (KMT2D) mediates mono-methylation of histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4me1) in mammals. H3K4me1 mark is involved in establishing an active chromatin structure to promote gene transcription. However, the precise molecular mechanism underlying the KMT2D-mediated H3K4me1 mark modulates gene expression in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) progression is unresolved. METHODS AND RESULTS: We recognized Y-box-binding protein 1 (YBX1) as a "reader" of the H3K4me1 mark, and a point mutation of YBX1 (E121A) disrupted this interaction. We found that KMT2D and YBX1 cooperatively promoted cell growth and metastasis of TNBC cells in vitro and in vivo. The expression levels of KMT2D and YBX1 were both upregulated in tumour tissues and correlated with poor prognosis for breast cancer patients. Combined analyses of ChIP-seq and RNA-seq data indicated that YBX1 was co-localized with KMT2D-mediated H3K4me1 in the promoter regions of c-Myc and SENP1, thereby activating their expressions in TNBC cells. Moreover, we demonstrated that YBX1 activated the expressions of c-Myc and SENP1 in a KMT2D-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that KMT2D-mediated H3K4me1 recruits YBX1 to facilitate TNBC progression through epigenetic activation of c-Myc and SENP1. These results together unveil a crucial interplay between histone mark and gene regulation in TNBC progression, thus providing novel insights into targeting the KMT2D-H3K4me1-YBX1 axis for TNBC treatment. HIGHLIGHTS: YBX1 is a KMT2D-mediated H3K4me1-binding effector protein and mutation of YBX1 (E121A) disrupts its binding to H3K4me1. KMT2D and YBX1 cooperatively promote TNBC proliferation and metastasis by activating c-Myc and SENP1 expression in vitro and in vivo. YBX1 is colocalized with H3K4me1 in the c-Myc and SENP1 promoter regions in TNBC cells and increased YBX1 expression predicts a poor prognosis in breast cancer patients.

Percutaneous coronary intervention leads to microplastics entering the blood: Interventional devices are a major source.

Microplastics (MPs) is an emerging pollutant potentially harmful to health. Medical practices using plastic devices, such as percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI), may result in MPs entering into the blood. The purpose of this study was to quantify the effect of PCI on microplastic levels in patients' blood. Laser direct infrared (LDIR) was used to detect MPs in the blood of 23 patients before and after PCI. MPs in the water in which devices used in PCI were washed were also examined. The concentration of MPs in the blood was significantly elevated (93.57 ± 35.95 vs. 4.96 ± 3.40 particles/10 mL of blood, P < 0.001) after PCI compared to before, and the increased MPs were polyamide (PA), polyethylene (PE), polyurethane (PU), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which was consistent with the types of MPs detected in the device washing water. The maximum diameter of MPs in blood before PCI was 50 µm, whereas after PCI it was 213 µm, and even 336 µm in device washing water. These findings indicated that PCI will cause MPs to enter the blood, and devices used during PCI were a major source, a range of medical practices that use plastic devices may be a new route for MPs to enter the human body.

Mapping of 10-km daily diffuse solar radiation across China from reanalysis data and a Machine-Learning method.

Diffuse solar radiation (DSR) plays a critical role in renewable energy utilization and efficient agricultural production. However, there is a scarcity of high-precision, long-term, and spatially continuous datasets for DSR in the world, and particularly in China. To address this gap, a 41-year (1982-2022) daily diffuse solar radiation dataset (CHDSR) is constructed with a spatial resolution of 10 km, based on a new ensemble model that combines the clear-sky irradiance estimated by the REST2 model and a machine-learning technique using precise cloud information derived from reanalysis data. Validation against ground-based measurements indicates strong performance of the new hybrid model, with a correlation coefficient, root mean square error and mean bias error (MBE) of 0.94, 13.9 W m-2 and -0.49 W m-2, respectively. The CHDSR dataset shows good spatial and temporal continuity over the time horizon from 1982 to 2022, with a multi-year mean value of 74.51 W m-2. This dataset is now freely available on figshare to the potential benefit of any analytical work in solar energy, agriculture, climate change, etc ( https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.21763223.v3 ).