Are older adults more prosocial than younger adults? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Prosociality refers to voluntary behaviors that intend to benefit others. Most of the existing literature suggests that older adults tend to act more prosocially compared to younger adults, while some studies show that older adults might not be that prosocial under certain conditions. The current study aimed to summarize the mixed findings and quantify the age difference in prosociality by conducting a qualitative systematic review and a quantitative meta-analysis. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Literature search was conducted based on five databases. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed and this review was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42022333373). RESULTS: Based on the qualitative synthesis of 51 studies, older adults (n = 109,911) were more prosocial than younger adults (n = 68,501). The meta-analysis of 46 studies further supported this age effect (Hedges' g = 0.31, 95% confidence interval [0.24, 0.37]), and this age effect might be moderated by the types of prosociality. We discovered a moderate age effect in sharing (Hedges' g = 0.53), but a non-significant age effect in helping (Hedges' g = 0.11), comforting (Hedges' g = -0.20), or mixed prosociality (Hedges' g = 0.15). Additionally, the age effect was only significant when older adults had higher socioeconomic status than younger adults. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Future research should develop more comprehensive measures of prosociality, examine more variables that influence aging and prosociality, and investigate the neural mechanism(s) of prosociality to achieve a thorough understanding of the age difference in prosociality.

Development and validation of machine learning models to predict MDRO colonization or infection on ICU admission by using electronic health record data.

BACKGROUND: Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) pose a significant threat to public health. Intensive Care Units (ICU), characterized by the extensive use of antimicrobial agents and a high prevalence of bacterial resistance, are hotspots for MDRO proliferation. Timely identification of patients at high risk for MDRO can aid in curbing transmission, enhancing patient outcomes, and maintaining the cleanliness of the ICU environment. This study focused on developing a machine learning (ML) model to identify patients at risk of MDRO during the initial phase of their ICU stay. METHODS: Utilizing patient data from the First Medical Center of the People's Liberation Army General Hospital (PLAGH-ICU) and the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC-IV), the study analyzed variables within 24 h of ICU admission. Machine learning algorithms were applied to these datasets, emphasizing the early detection of MDRO colonization or infection. Model efficacy was evaluated by the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC), alongside internal and external validation sets. RESULTS: The study evaluated 3,536 patients in PLAGH-ICU and 34,923 in MIMIC-IV, revealing MDRO prevalence of 11.96% and 8.81%, respectively. Significant differences in ICU and hospital stays, along with mortality rates, were observed between MDRO positive and negative patients. In the temporal validation, the PLAGH-ICU model achieved an AUROC of 0.786 [0.748, 0.825], while the MIMIC-IV model reached 0.744 [0.723, 0.766]. External validation demonstrated reduced model performance across different datasets. Key predictors included biochemical markers and the duration of pre-ICU hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: The ML models developed in this study demonstrated their capability in early identification of MDRO risks in ICU patients. Continuous refinement and validation in varied clinical contexts remain essential for future applications.

[Clinical effect of acupuncture based on the specific response of jing-well point for intractable insomnia: a randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical effect and safety on the basis of detecting the specific response of jing-well point in treatment of intractable insomnia with acupuncture by meridian differentiation. METHODS: Sixty-four patients with intractable insomnia were randomized into an observation group (32 cases, 1 case dropped out and 1 case was eliminated) and a control group (32 cases, 1 case was eliminated). In the observation group, the meridian imbalance value detected at the jing-well point was taken as the evidence so that the corresponding yuan-source and back-shu points were stimulated with acupuncture. In the control group, the routine acupuncture was operated at Baihui (GV 20), Sishencong (EX-HN 1), and bilateral Shenmen (HT 7), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Shenmai (BL 62) and Zhaohai (KI 6). Besides, the detection at jing-well point was performed for blindness in the control group. In the two groups, the interventions were delivered once daily, 5 times a weeks and for consecutive 4 weeks. In the two groups, the scores of Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), insomnia severity index (ISI) and the TCM symptom scale were observed before treatment and after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment; the clinical effect and safety were evaluated after treatment; the changes of meridian imbalance value were observed before and after treatment and the correlation analysis with the total score of PSQI was conducted. RESULTS: After 2 and 4 weeks of treatment, except the scores for hypnotic drug in the two groups and sleep disorder after 2 weeks of treatment in the control group, the scores of the other factors and the total scores of PSQI were all reduced when compared with those before treatment in the two groups (P<0.05). After 4 weeks of treatment, except the scores for hypnotic drug in the two groups and sleep disorder in the control group, the scores of the other factors and the total scores of PSQI were lower than those after 2 weeks of treatment in the two groups (P<0.05). After 2 weeks of treatment, the scores for time to fall asleep, sleep efficiency and daytime dysfunction in the observation group were lower than those of the control group (P<0.05); and after 4 weeks of treatment, except the scores for sleep disorder and hypnotic drug, the scores of the other factors and the total score of PSQI in the observation group were all lower than those of the control group (P<0.05). After 2 and 4 weeks of treatment, ISI scores and the scores of TCM symptom scale decreased when compared with those before treatment (P<0.05), and the scores of these two scales after 4 weeks of treatment were lower than those after 2 weeks of treatment (P<0.05) in the two groups; and the scores in the observation group were lower than thoese in the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 93.3% (28/30) in the observation group, higher than that (90.3% [28/31]) in the control group (P<0.05). Of 64 cases, there was only 1 case of mild hematoma in the control group; and no any other adverse events occurred. Among 64 cases, the meridians, with the imbalance frequency ≥30 times, included the pericardium meridian of hand-jueyin and the heart meridian of hand-shaoyin; those with the imbalance frequency ≥20 times, were the kidney meridian of foot-shaoyin, the triple energizers meridian of hand-shaoyang, the gallbladder meridian of foot-shaoyang, the spleen meridian of foot-taiyin and the stomach meridian of foot-yangming. Except the lung meridian of hand-taiyin in the control group, the imbalance value of each meridian was reduced after treatment (P<0.05, P<0.001, P<0.01), and the meridian imbalance value presented a linear positive correlation with the total score of PSQI in the two groups . CONCLUSION: Meridian differentiation acupuncture based on detecting the specific response of jing-well point can significantly improve the sleep quality and reduce the related symptoms in the patients with intractable insomnia. This therapy promotes the conversion of the meridians from the imbalance to the balance and is satisfactory in its safe operation.

Thermal ablation for the treatment of malignant thyroid nodules: present and future.

As the utilization of high-resolution imaging modalities, such as ultrasound, becomes increasingly prevalent, there has been a swift rise in the detection rates of malignant thyroid nodules (MTC). Surgery remains the cornerstone of standard treatment for these nodules. However, the advent and evolution of thermal ablation (TA) techniques, encompassing radiofrequency ablation, laser ablation, and microwave ablation, have emerged as a novel therapeutic avenue for patients with MTC, particularly for those deemed unsuitable for surgery due to high risks or for those who refuse surgery. Presently, TA has been validated as an efficacious and safe intervention for both benign thyroid nodules and a subset of MTC. An expanding body of research has been dedicated to broadening the applicability of TA, initially from recurrent thyroid cancer and lymph nodes to now encompass isolated papillary thyroid microcarcinomas (PTMC) alongside a comprehensive exploration into the expanded parameters such as size, number, and location of PTMC, and its applicability in other types of thyroid cancer. This review provides a detailed synthesis of the clinical evidence about the use of TA in the management of MTC, as endorsed by current guidelines. It further delves into the ongoing research efforts aimed at extending its indications and discusses the prospective implications and challenges of integrating TA into the clinical management paradigms for MTC.

Triptonide protects retinal cells from oxidative damage via activation of Nrf2 signaling.

Age­related macular degeneration (AMD) is an ocular disease that threatens the visual function of older adults worldwide. Key pathological processes involved in AMD include oxidative stress, inflammation and choroidal vascular dysfunction. Retinal pigment epithelial cells and Müller cells are most susceptible to oxidative stress. Traditional herbal medicines are increasingly being investigated in the field of personalized medicine in ophthalmology. Triptonide (Tn) is a diterpene tricyclic oxide, the main active ingredient in the extract from the Chinese herbal medicinal plant Tripterygium wilfordii, and is considered an effective immunosuppressant and anti­inflammatory drug. The present study investigated the potential beneficial role of Tn in retinal oxidative damage in order to achieve personalized treatment for early AMD. An oxidative stress model of retinal cells induced by H2O2 and a retinal injury model of mice induced by light and N­Methyl­D­aspartic acid were constructed. In vitro, JC­1 staining, flow cytometry and apoptosis assay confirmed that low concentrations of Tn effectively protected retinal cells from oxidative damage, and reverse transcription­quantitative PCR and western blotting analyses revealed that Tn reduced the expression of retinal oxidative stress­related genes and inflammatory factors, which may depend on the PI3K/AKT/mTOR­induced Nrf2 signaling pathway. In vivo, by retinal immunohistochemistry, hematoxylin and eosin staining and electroretinogram assay, it was found that retinal function and structure improved and choroidal neovascularization was significantly inhibited after Tn pretreatment. These results suggested that Tn is an efficient Nrf2 activator, which can be expected to become a new intervention for diseases such as AMD, to inhibit retinal oxidative stress damage and pathological neovascularization.

Nature-inspired protein mineralization strategies for nanoparticle construction: advancing effective cancer therapy.

Recently, nanotechnology has shown great potential in the field of cancer therapy due to its ability to improve the stability and solubility and reduce side effects of drugs. The biomimetic mineralization strategy based on natural proteins and metal ions provides an innovative approach for the synthesis of nanoparticles. This strategy utilizes the unique properties of natural proteins and the mineralization ability of metal ions to combine nanoparticles through biomimetic mineralization processes, achieving the effective treatment of tumors. The precise control of the mineralization process between proteins and metal ions makes it possible to obtain nanoparticles with the ideal size, shape, and surface characteristics, thereby enhancing their stability and targeting ability in vivo. Herein, initially, we analyze the role of protein molecules in biomineralization and comprehensively review the functions, properties, and applications of various common proteins and metal particles. Subsequently, we systematically review and summarize the application directions of nanoparticles synthesized based on protein biomineralization in tumor treatment. Specifically, we discuss their use as efficient drug delivery carriers and role in mediating monotherapy and synergistic therapy using multiple modes. Also, we specifically review the application of nanomedicine constructed through biomimetic mineralization strategies using natural proteins and metal ions in improving the efficiency of tumor immunotherapy.

Age Differences in Electronic Mental Health Literacy: Qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND: Electronic mental health literacy (eMHL) is critical for accessing and effectively using digital mental health resources. However, there is a paucity of research on how eMHL varies across age groups. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate differences in eMHL among young, middle-aged, and older adults; provide insights into the needs, behaviors, and attitudes of different age groups in relation to digital mental health resources; and ultimately, inform the improvement of mental health services. METHODS: A qualitative investigation was conducted to examine the differences in eMHL across different age demographics in the Chinese population in 2023. The study sample comprised 3 distinct age groups: 18-34 years, 35-64 years, and 65 years and older. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling to ensure a diverse representation of the population. Data were collected through semistructured one-on-one interviews, which allowed for in-depth exploration of individual experiences and perceptions. The gathered data were subsequently subjected to rigorous thematic analysis to enable the identification and interpretation of recurring patterns and themes. RESULTS: The principal outcomes derived from these interviews were synthesized into 5 distinct dimensions: emotional needs, use of digital mental health resources, assessment of digital mental health information, engagement with social media to regulate emotions, and coping strategies. These dimensions were uniformly observed across the 3 age groups. CONCLUSIONS: We identified differences in knowledge, skills, and attitudes regarding the use of web-based information for managing mental health problems between the 3 age groups. The findings highlight the importance of age-specific strategies for improving eMHL.

Case report: A case of bradycardia triggered by diarrhea.

BRASH syndrome is a vicious cycle of hyperkalemia and bradycardia and is an under-recognized life-threatening clinical diagnosis. It is usually initiated by hypovolemia or hyperkalemia. We report here on the case of a 92-year-old man with hypertension and heart failure who presented to the emergency department with weakness following diarrhea. He was on amlodipine, benazepril, metoprolol, furosemide and spironolactone. The patient's blood pressure was 88/53 mmHg and the serum creatinine was 241 µmol/L. Within 2 h, the patient's heart rate decreased from 58 beats per minute to 26 beats per minute, and serum potassium levels gradually increased from 6.07 mmol/L to 7.3 mmol/L. The electrocardiogram showed a junctional escape rhythm with accidental sinus capture. The diagnosis of BRASH syndrome was made based on clinical symptoms, a biochemical profile and the results of an electrocardiogram. The patient was rapidly stabilized with the administration of intravenous calcium gluconate, dextrose and insulin, 5% sodium bicarbonate, 0.9% sodium chloride, furosemide, and oral zirconium cyclosilicate. Sinus rhythm at a heart rate of 75 bpm was detected 5 h later, along with normal serum potassium levels. After 2 weeks, kidney function returned to normal. Clinicians should be alert to patients with hyperkalemia and maintain a high index of suspicion for BRASH syndrome. Timely diagnosis and comprehensive intervention are critical for better outcomes in managing patients with BRASH.

Bioactive Nanotherapeutic Ultrasound Contrast Agent for Concurrent Breast Cancer Ultrasound Imaging and Treatment.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) plays a crucial role in cancer diagnosis. The use of ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) is inevitable in CEUS. However, current applications of UCAs primarily focus on enhancing imaging quality of ultrasound contrast rather than serving as integrated platforms for both diagnosis and treatment in clinical settings. In this study, a novel UCA, termed NPs-DPPA(C3F8), is innovatively prepared using a combination of nanoprecipitation and ultrasound vibration methods. The DPPA lipid possesses inherent antiangiogenic and antitumor activities, and when combined with C3F8, it functions as a theranostic agent. Notably, the preparation of NPs-DPPA(C3F8) is straightforward, requiring only one hour from raw materials to the final product due to the use of a single material, DPPA. NPs-DPPA(C3F8) exhibits inherent antiangiogenic and biotherapeutic activities, effectively inhibiting triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) angiogenesis and reducing VEGFA expression both in vitro and in vivo. Clinically, NPs-DPPA(C3F8) enables simultaneous real-time imaging, tumor assessment, and antitumor activity. Additionally, through ultrasound cavitation, NPs-DPPA(C3F8) can overcome the dense vascular walls to increase accumulation at the tumor site and facilitate internalization by tumor cells. The successful preparation of NPs-DPPA(C3F8) offers a novel approach for integrating clinical diagnosis and treatment of TNBC.

Effect of obstructive sleep apnea on postoperative delirium: a system review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To investigate the impact of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on postoperative delirium (PD), and evaluate the effectiveness of positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy on PD among OSA patients. METHODS: We systematically searched Embase, Cochrane Library and PubMed databases from their establishment to November 27, 2022. A random-effects approach was employed to determine aggregated results. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were carried out to investigate heterogeneity. RESULTS: Sixteen eligible studies were included in the analysis. Thirteen studies revealed that OSA significantly elevated the likelihood of developing PD (OR = 1.71; 95%CI = 1.17 to 2.49; p = 0.005). Subgroup analysis according to delirium assessment scales showed that OSA did not exhibit an association with the incidence of PD assessed by the Confusion Assessment Method-Intensive Care Unit (OR = 1.14; 95%CI = 0.77 to 1.67; p = 0.51) but enhanced the likelihood of developing PD evaluated with other measurement scales (OR = 2.15; 95%CI = 1.44 to 3.19; p = 0.0002). Three additional studies explored the impact of PAP treatment on PD among OSA individuals, indicating no significant reduction in PD incidence with PAP use (OR = 0.58; 95%CI = 0.13 to 2.47; p = 0.46). CONCLUSIONS: OSA may not be a risk factor for PD in critically ill patients in the intensive care unit, but may increase the likelihood of developing PD among individuals receiving regular care in the ward postoperatively. The efficacy of PAP therapy in decreasing PD incidence among OSA patients remains debatable.

Advances in immune regulation of the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor.

Estrogen and related receptors have been shown to have a significant impact on human development, reproduction, metabolism and immune regulation and to play a critical role in tumor development and treatment. Traditionally, the nuclear estrogen receptors (nERs) ERα and ERß have been thought to be involved in mediating the estrogenic effects. However, our group and others have previously demonstrated that the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) is the third independent ER, and estrogen signaling mediated by GPER is known to play an important role in normal physiology and a variety of abnormal diseases. Interestingly, recent studies have progressively revealed GPER involvement in the maintenance of the normal immune system, abnormal immune diseases, and inflammatory lesions, which may be of significant clinical value primarily in the immunotherapy of tumors. In this article, we review current advances in GPER-related immunomodulators and provide a theoretical basis and potential clinical targets to ameliorate immune-related diseases and immunotherapy for tumors.

Trends in maternal and child health in China and its urban and rural areas from 1991 to 2020: a joinpoint regression model.

The long-term trends in maternal and child health (MCH) in China and the national-level factors that may be associated with these changes have been poorly explored. This study aimed to assess trends in MCH indicators nationally and separately in urban and rural areas and the impact of public policies over a 30‒year period. An ecological study was conducted using data on neonatal mortality rate (NMR), infant mortality rate (IMR), under-five mortality rate (U5MR), and maternal mortality ratio (MMR) nationally and separately in urban and rural areas in China from 1991 to 2020. Joinpoint regression models were used to estimate the annual percentage changes (APC), average annual percentage changes (AAPC) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and mortality differences between urban and rural areas. From 1991 to 2020, maternal and child mortalities in China gradually declined (national AAPC [95% CI]: NMRs - 7.7% [- 8.6%, - 6.8%], IMRs - 7.5% [- 8.4%, - 6.6%], U5MRs - 7.5% [- 8.5%, - 6.5%], MMRs - 5.0% [- 5.7%, - 4.4%]). However, the rate of decline nationally in child mortality slowed after 2005, and in maternal mortality after 2013. For all indicators, the decline in mortality was greater in rural areas than in urban areas. The AAPCs in rate differences between rural and urban areas were - 8.5% for NMRs, - 8.6% for IMRs, - 7.7% for U5MRs, and - 9.6% for MMRs. The AAPCs in rate ratios (rural vs. urban) were - 1.2 for NMRs, - 2.1 for IMRs, - 1.7 for U5MRs, and - 1.9 for MMRs. After 2010, urban‒rural disparity in MMR did not diminish and in NMR, IMR, and U5MR, it gradually narrowed but persisted. MCH indicators have declined at the national level as well as separately in urban and rural areas but may have reached a plateau. Urban‒rural disparities in MCH indicators have narrowed but still exist. Regular analyses of temporal trends in MCH are necessary to assess the effectiveness of measures for timely adjustments.

PagJAZ5 regulates cambium activity through coordinately modulating cytokinin concentration and signaling in poplar.

Wood is resulted from the radial growth paced by the division and differentiation of vascular cambium cells in woody plants, and phytohormones play important roles in cambium activity. Here, we identified that PagJAZ5, a key negative regulator of jasmonate (JA) signaling, plays important roles in enhancing cambium cell division and differentiation by mediating cytokinin signaling in poplar 84K (Populus alba × Populus glandulosa). PagJAZ5 is preferentially expressed in developing phloem and cambium, weakly in developing xylem cells. Overexpression (OE) of PagJAZ5m (insensitive to JA) increased cambium activity and xylem differentiation, while jaz mutants showed opposite results. Transcriptome analyses revealed that cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase (CKXs) and type-A response regulators (RRs) were downregulated in PagJAZ5m OE plants. The bioactive cytokinins were significantly increased in PagJAZ5m overexpressing plants and decreased in jaz5 mutants, compared with that in 84K plants. The PagJAZ5 directly interact with PagMYC2a/b and PagWOX4b. Further, we found that the PagRR5 is regulated by PagMYC2a and PagWOX4b and involved in the regulation of xylem development. Our results showed that PagJAZ5 can increase cambium activity and promote xylem differentiation through modulating cytokinin level and type-A RR during wood formation in poplar.

Liver-based inter-organ communication: A disease perspective.

Inter-organ communication through hormones, cytokines and extracellular vesicles (EVs) has emerged to contribute to the physiological states and pathological processes of the human body. Notably, the liver coordinates multiple tissues and organs to maintain homeostasis and maximize energy utilization, with the underlying mechanisms being unraveled in recent studies. Particularly, liver-derived EVs have been found to play a key role in regulating health and disease. As an endocrine organ, the liver has also been found to perform functions via the secretion of hepatokines. Investigating the multi-organ communication centered on the liver, especially in the manner of EVs and hepatokines, is of great importance to the diagnosis and treatment of liver-related diseases. This review summarizes the crosstalk between the liver and distant organs, including the brain, the bone, the adipose tissue and the intestine in noticeable situations. The discussion of these contents will add to a new dimension of organismal homeostasis and shed light on novel theranostics of pathologies.

Immunotherapy in the context of sepsis-induced immunological dysregulation.

Sepsis is a clinical syndrome caused by uncontrollable immune dysregulation triggered by pathogen infection, characterized by high incidence, mortality rates, and disease burden. Current treatments primarily focus on symptomatic relief, lacking specific therapeutic interventions. The core mechanism of sepsis is believed to be an imbalance in the host's immune response, characterized by early excessive inflammation followed by late immune suppression, triggered by pathogen invasion. This suggests that we can develop immunotherapeutic treatment strategies by targeting and modulating the components and immunological functions of the host's innate and adaptive immune systems. Therefore, this paper reviews the mechanisms of immune dysregulation in sepsis and, based on this foundation, discusses the current state of immunotherapy applications in sepsis animal models and clinical trials.

Recent progress of nano-drugs in neutron capture therapy.

As a developing radiation treatment for tumors, neutron capture therapy (NCT) has less side effects and a higher efficacy than conventional radiation therapy. Drugs with specific isotopes are indispensable counterparts of NCT, as they are the indespensable part of the neutron capture reaction. Since the creation of the first and second generations of boron-containing reagents, NCT has significantly advanced. Notwithstanding, the extant NCT medications, predominantly comprised of small molecule boron medicines, have encountered challenges such monofunctionality, inadequate targeting of tumors, and hypermetabolism. There is an urgent need to promote the research and development of new types of NCT drugs. Bio-nanomaterials can be introduced into the realm of NCT, and nanotechnology can give conventional medications richer functionality and significant adaptability. This can complement the advantages of each other and is expected to develop more new drugs with less toxicity, low side effects, better tumor targeting, and high biocompatibility. In this review, we summarized the research progress of nano-drugs in NCT based on the different types and sources of isotopes used, and introduced the attempts and efforts made by relevant researchers in combining nanomaterials with NCT, hoping to provide pivotal references for promoting the development of the field of tumor radiotherapy.

Comparative Effectiveness of Mobile Health-Based Comprehensive Smoking Cessation Modalities and Traditional Clinic-Delivered Treatments - Beijing Municipality, China, May 2022 to April 2024.

What is already known about this topic?: Most Chinese smokers have not accessed professional help due to a lack of sufficient smoking cessation services. Mobile health (mHealth) can mitigate obstacles related to time and transportation, thereby providing effective support for smokers seeking to quit. What is added by this report?: This study offers real-world evidence supporting the effectiveness of mHealth-based comprehensive smoking cessation interventions. The findings indicate that these modalities can significantly enhance abstinence rates, albeit to a lesser extent compared to traditional clinic-based treatments. Adherence to the intervention was identified as a critical factor influencing the effectiveness of smoking cessation strategies. What are the implications for public health practice?: The mHealth-based comprehensive smoking cessation modalities, with or without mailing cessation medications, present a promising approach to enhancing access to and utilization of smoking cessation services. This strategy addresses the significant challenge of limited smoking cessation resources in China.

Enhancing the performance of mode-pairing quantum key distribution by wavelength division multiplexing.

Mode-pairing quantum key distribution (MP-QKD) holds great promise for the practical implementation of QKD in the near future. It combines the security advantages of measurement device independence while still being capable of breaking the Pirandola-Laurenza-Ottaviani-Banchi bound without the need for highly demanding phase-locking and phase-tracking technologies for deployment. In this work, we explore optimization strategies for MP-QKD in a wavelength-division multiplexing scenario. The simulation results reveal that incorporation of multiple wavelengths not only leads to a direct increase in key rate but also enhances the pairing efficiency by employing our novel pairing strategies among different wavelengths. As a result, our work provides a new avenue for the future application and development of MP-QKD.

Biosafety assessments of hexafluoropropylene trimer derivative as a fluorinated cooling fluid for electronics.

The Internet Data Center (IDC) is one of the most important infrastructures in the field of information technology. The cooling system for heat dissipation of IDC is indispensable due to it generates a large amount of heat during its calculation process, which may potentially harm its normal operation. Electronic fluorinated fluids have been widely used in cooling systems of IDC with stable physical and chemical properties. However, the biological toxicity of electronic fluorinated fluids has not been fully evaluated and there is a lack of unified safety standards, which may pose potential risks to the environment and human health. Here, hexafluoropropylene terpolymer (HFPT) as an example has been systematically studied, fully considering the application scenarios of data centers. Also, the emergency effects of fluorinated coolants in mammalian models from the perspectives of inhalation, skin contact, accidental entry into eyes, accidental ingestion, and chronic toxicity, are evaluated. Multiple in vivo experiments have proven that HFPT not only has stable physical and chemical properties, that can maintain the safe operation of IDC, but also has low physiological toxicity to mammals and can provide health benefits to data center staff and the assurance of surrounding environment. This study proves the good biological safety of electronic fluorinated fluids and provides a reference for environmental assessment and risk management of liquid cooling technology in IDC. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43188-024-00234-3.