Restructuring effects of industrial and energy structures on sectoral CO2 emission peak trajectories in China.

Economic sectors are pivotal in achieving China's dual carbon goals; nevertheless, the combined impact of industrial and energy consumption structures on sectors' peak pathways remains unresolved. We extend the optimization of separate industrial and energy structures to a multi-objective dynamic input-output optimization model. Findings indicate the following. (1) China's energy-related CO2 emissions are projected to peak in 2028, reaching a volume of 10.06-10.25 Gt. The contribution of industrial structure upgrading to this peak is three times greater than that of energy structure transformation. (2) Approximately 40% of sectors can delay their peaks until after 2030 without impeding China's overall peaking before 2030. (3) Compared with the single objective of minimizing CO2 emissions, China can not only achieve its carbon peak earlier but also enhance its average annual gross domestic product (GDP) growth rates by more than 0.26 percentage points and increase the non-fossil energy use's share by at least 2.78%.

Protective effects of syringic acid in nonalcoholic fatty liver in rats through regulation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an alarming ailment that leads to severe liver damage and increases the risk of serious health conditions. The prevalence of NAFLD due to oxidative stress could be mitigated by plant-derived antioxidants. This study aims to investigate the effects of syringic acid (SA) on NAFLD in a high-fat diet (HFD) rat model. Twenty-four rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 6): normal control, HFD, SA-administered HFD, and positive control SA on a normal diet. Rats in the normal control and positive control groups received a normal diet, and the remaining groups received an HFD for 8 weeks. SA (20 mg/kg b.w.) was orally (gavage) administered for 8 weeks. Lipid profiles were controlled by SA against HFD-fed rats (p < 0.05). SA reduced the serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels by 70%-190%. SA also suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines and attenuated histopathological and immunohistochemical changes against HFD-fed rats. SA reversed oxidative stress by suppressing the malondialdehyde formation by 82% and replenished the nonenzymatic and enzymatic antioxidant activities (p < 0.05). Gene expressions of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor/heme oxygenase 1 (Nrf2/HO-1) were elevated in SA-treated rats. Ameliorative effects of SA on NAFLD induced by an HFD in rats were prominent through the reversal of oxidative stress and inflammation, regulated by an intrinsic mechanism of defense against oxidative stress, the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

The effect of self-rated health on depressive symptoms in Chinese older adults: The mediating role of social participation and spouse health.

This study investigates the relationship between self-rated health, social participation, spouse health, and depressive symptoms in older adults. It also analyzed the moderating effects of gender, drinking, visual function, diet, quality of life, and economic level on the model. We analyzed data from 5119 participants aged 60 and above, from the CLHLS. We used a partial least squares structural equation model to explore the correlation between self-rated health, spouse health, social participation, and depressive symptoms. Self-rated health was significantly correlated with spouse health, social participation, and depressive symptoms (P < 0.001). Social participation (ß=-0.034) and spouse health (ß=-0.029) were mediators of self-rated health to depressive symptoms. In addition, gender, drinking, visual function, diet, quality of life, and economic level were mediated factors. This study provides evidence that self-rated health has direct or indirect associations with depressive symptoms in older people, with social participation and spouse health playing a crucial mediating role.

Disparities in cancer stage of diagnosis by rurality in California, 2015-2019.

BACKGROUND: Cancer rates in rural areas vary by insurance status, socioeconomic status, region, race, and ethnicity. METHODS: California Cancer Registry data (2015-2019) were used to investigate stage of diagnosis by levels of rurality for the five most common cancers. Percent of residents in rural blocks within census tract aggregation zones was categorized into deciles up to 50%. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate associations with rurality, with separate models by cancer site, sex, race, and ethnicity (non-Hispanic White and Hispanic). Covariates included individual-level and zone-level factors. RESULTS: Percent of late-stage cancer diagnosis was 28% for female breast, 27% for prostate, 77% for male lung, 71% for female lung, 60% for male colorectal, 59% for female colorectal, 7.8% for male melanoma, and 5.9% for female melanoma. Increasing rurality was significantly associated with increased odds of late-stage cancer diagnosis for female breast cancer (p-trend<0.001), male lung cancer (p-trend<0.001), female lung cancer (p-trend<0.001), and male melanoma (p-trend=0.01), after adjusting for individual-level and zone-level factors. Strength of associations varied by sex and ethnicity. For males with lung cancer, odds of late-stage diagnosis in areas with >50% rural population was 1.24 (95% CI (1.06-1.45)) for non-Hispanic White patients and 2.14 (95% CI (0.86-5.31)) for Hispanic patients, compared to areas with 0% rural residents. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing rurality was associated with increased odds for late-stage diagnosis for breast cancer, lung cancer, and melanoma, with the strength of associations varying across sex and ethnicity. IMPACT: Our findings will inform cancer outreach to these rural subpopulations.

Saikosaponin D potentiates the antineoplastic effects of doxorubicin in drug-resistant breast cancer through perturbing NQO1-mediated intracellular redox balance.

BACKGROUND: Drug resistance to doxorubicin (DOX) significantly limits its therapeutic efficacy in breast cancer (BC) patients. Saikosaponin D (SSD), a triterpene saponin derived from the traditional herb Radix Bupleuri, has shown promise as a chemotherapeutic sensitizer in preclinical studies due to its notable antitumor activity. However, the role and mechanism of SSD in DOX-resistant BC cells remain largely unexplored. PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the chemosensitizing effect of SSD on DOX-resistant BC and the underlying molecular mechanisms both in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: In vitro assays, including cell viability, clone formation, three-dimensional tumor spheroid growth, and apoptosis analysis, were conducted to evaluate the synergistic effect of SSD and DOX on resistant BC cells. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), GSH/GSSG, NADPH/NADP+, and NADH/NAD+ detections were employed to assess the impact of SSD on cellular redox homeostasis. Western blotting, cell cycle distribution assay, and DOX uptake assay were performed to further elucidate the possible antineoplastic mechanism of SSD. Finally, a subcutaneous MCF7/DOX cell xenografted model in nude mice was established to identify the in vivo anticarcinogenic effect of SSD combined with DOX. RESULTS: SSD significantly inhibited cell viability, proliferation, and clone formation, enhancing DOX's anticancer efficacy in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, SSD reduced STAT1, NQO1, and PGC-1α protein levels, leading to cellular redox imbalance, excessive ROS generation, and depletion of GSH, NADPH, and NADH. SSD induced DNA damage by disrupting redox homeostasis, resulting in G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest. Additionally, SSD increased DOX accumulation in BC cells via inhibiting P-gp protein expression and efflux activity. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated for the first time that SSD enhances the sensitivity of chemoresistant BC cells to DOX by disrupting cellular redox homeostasis through inactivation of the STAT1/NQO1/PGC-1α signaling pathway. This study provides evidence for SSD as an adjuvant agent in drug-resistant BC treatment.

Bat-derived oligopeptide LE6 inhibits the contact-kinin pathway and harbors anti-thromboinflammation and stroke potential.

Thrombosis and inflammation are primary contributors to the onset and progression of ischemic stroke. The contact-kinin pathway, initiated by plasma kallikrein (PK) and activated factor XII (FXIIa), functions bidirectionally with the coagulation and inflammation cascades, providing a novel target for therapeutic drug development in ischemic stroke. In this study, we identified a bat-derived oligopeptide from Myotis myotis (Borkhausen, 1797), designated LE6 (Leu-Ser-Glu-Glu-Pro-Glu, 702 Da), with considerable potential in stroke therapy due to its effects on the contact kinin pathway. Notably, LE6 demonstrated significant inhibitory effects on PK and FXIIa, with inhibition constants of 43.97 µmol/L and 6.37 µmol/L, respectively. In vitro analyses revealed that LE6 prolonged plasma recalcification time and activated partial thromboplastin time. In murine models, LE6 effectively inhibited carrageenan-induced mouse tail thrombosis, FeCl 3-induced carotid artery thrombosis, and photochemically induced intracerebral thrombosis. Furthermore, LE6 significantly decreased inflammation and stroke injury in transient middle cerebral artery occlusion models. Notably, the low toxicity, hemolytic activity, and bleeding risk of LE6, along with its synthetic simplicity, underscore its clinical applicability. In conclusion, as an inhibitor of FXIIa and PK, LE6 offers potential therapeutic benefits in stroke treatment by mitigating inflammation and preventing thrombus formation.

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α/vascular endothelial growth factor signaling pathway-based ulcer-healing mechanism of Astragalus Aqueous extract in diabetic foot rats.

The main objective of this work was to investigate the mechanism of Astragalus aqueous extract ulcer healing in diabetic foot model rats through the hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1ɑ)/vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signalling pathway. Fifty specific-pathogen-free male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into blank (A), model control (B), Astragalus extract (C) and mupirocin (D) treatment groups. Group A received a regular diet, whereas the other groups received a high-fat/high-sugar diet and intraperitoneal streptozotocin injections to induce diabetes. Diabetic foot ulcers were created via skin excision. Subsequently, ulcers were debrided daily. Groups B, C and D received wet saline gauze, wet gauze with Astragalus extract and gauze with mupirocin, respectively, on the affected area. Group A received no treatment. After 14 days, the rats were assessed for ulcer healing and general condition. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect HIF-1ɑ and VEGF levels in the dorsalis pedis artery, and ELISA was used to determine serum IL-6 and CRP levels. The results revealed that Groups C and D had significantly faster ulcer healing compared with Group B (p < 0.01), and ulcer healing was faster in Group C than in Group D (p < 0.01). Group C exhibited notably higher HIF-1ɑ and VEGF protein expression levels compared with Groups B and D (p < 0.01). IL-6 and CRP expression levels in Groups C and D were significantly lower than those in Group B (p < 0.01). In summary, Astragalus aqueous extract effectively treats diabetic foot ulcers by up-regulating HIF-1ɑ and VEGF expression, activating the HIF-1ɑ/VEGF pathway, improving local tissue ischaemia and hypoxia, promoting collateral circulation and enhancing dorsalis pedis artery formation, thereby accelerating ulcer repair in diabetic rats.

Oxygen regulation of microbial communities and chemical compounds in cigar tobacco curing.

Introduction: Curing is a critical process that determines the sensory quality of cigars. The impact of oxygen on cigar curing and the mechanisms by which it regulates microbial changes affecting cigar quality are not well understood. Methods: In this study, we selected handmade cigars from the same batch and conducted curing experiments in environments with varying oxygen concentrations (equivalent to 0.1%, 6-12, and 15% of atmospheric oxygen concentration). We collected samples over 60 days and analyzed the distribution of microbial communities using high-throughput sequencing. Combined with the analysis of total sugars, proteins, flavor substances, and other chemical compounds, we elucidated how different oxygen concentrations affect the cigar curing process, influence microbial community succession, and ultimately impact cigar quality. Results: Our results revealed significant differences in bacterial community composition under different oxygen conditions. Under aerobic conditions, Cyanobacteria were the dominant bacteria, while under oxygen-limited conditions, Staphylococcus and Corynebacterium predominated. As oxygen concentration decreased, so did the richness and diversity of the bacterial community. Conversely, oxygen concentration had a lesser impact on fungi; Aspergillus was the dominant genus in all samples. We also found that Enterococcus showed a positive correlation with aspartic acid, alanine, and 4-aminobutyric acid and a negative correlation with cysteine. Cigars cured at 15% oxygen concentration for 60 days exhibited optimal quality, particularly in terms of flavor richness and sweetness. Discussion: These findings suggest that oxygen concentration can alter cigar quality by regulating aerobic and anaerobic microbial community succession. The relationship between specific microbial communities and flavor compounds also provides a theoretical reference for developing artificial control technologies in the cigar curing process.

Histone acetylation regulated by histone deacetylases during spermatogenesis.

BACKGROUND: Physical, chemical, and biological factors in the environment constantly influence in vivo and in vitro biological processes, including diverse histone modifications involved in cancer and metabolism. However, the intricate mechanisms of acetylation regulation remain poorly elucidated. In mammalian spermatogenesis, acetylation plays a crucial role in repairing double-strand DNA breaks, regulating gene transcription, and modulating various signaling pathways. RESULTS: This review summarizes the histone acetylation sites in the mouse testis and provides a comprehensive overview of how histone acetylation is involved in different stages of spermatogenesis under the regulation by histone deacetylases. The regulatory functions of various class histone deacetylases during spermatogenesis and the crossroad between histone acetylation and other histone modifications are highlighted. It is imperative to understand the mechanisms of histone acetylation regulated by histone deacetylases in spermatogenesis, which facilitates to prevent and treat infertility-related diseases.

On quasi-linear reaction diffusion systems arising from compartmental SEIR models.

The global existence and boundedness of solutions to quasi-linear reaction-diffusion systems are investigated. The system arises from compartmental models describing the spread of infectious diseases proposed in Viguerie et al. (Appl Math Lett 111:106617, 2021); Viguerie et al. (Comput Mech 66(5):1131-1152, 2020), where the diffusion rate is assumed to depend on the total population, leading to quasilinear diffusion with possible degeneracy. The mathematical analysis of this model has been addressed recently in Auricchio et al. (Math Methods Appl Sci 46:12529-12548, 2023) where it was essentially assumed that all sub-populations diffuse at the same rate, which yields a positive lower bound of the total population, thus removing the degeneracy. In this work, we remove this assumption completely and show the global existence and boundedness of solutions by exploiting a recently developed L p -energy method. Our approach is applicable to a larger class of systems and is sufficiently robust to allow model variants and different boundary conditions.

Fine-tuning of the dual-role transcription factor WRKY8 via differential phosphorylation for robust broad-spectrum plant immunity.

Plants utilize plasma membrane-localized pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) to perceive pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) to activate broad-spectrum pattern-triggered immunity (PTI). However, the regulatory mechanism ensuring robust broad-spectrum plant immunity remains largely unknown. Here, we reveal the dual roles of the transcription factor WRKY8 in transcriptional regulation of PRR genes: repressing the nlp20/nlp24 receptor gene RLP23 whereas promoting the chitin receptor gene CERK1. Remarkably, SsNLP1 and SsNLP2, two nlp24 type PAMPs in the destructive fungal pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, activate two calcium-elicited kinases, CPK4 and CPK11 to phosphorylate WRKY8 and consequently release its inhibition on RLP23 expression to accumulate RLP23. Meanwhile, SsNLPs activate a RLCK type kinase, PBL19 to phosphorylate WRKY8 and consequently enhance the accumulation of CERK1. Intriguingly, RLP23 is repressed at late stage by PBL19-mediated phosphorylation of WRKY8, to avoid excessive immunity for normal growth. Our findings unveil a "killing two birds with one stone" strategy employed by plants to elicit robust broad-spectrum immunity, which is based on PAMP-triggered fine-tuning of a dual-role transcription factor to simultaneously amplify two PRRs recognizing PAMPs well conserved in a wide range of pathogens. Moreover, our results reveal a novel plant strategy based on fine-tuning of multiple PRR gene expression to balance the trade-off between growth and immunity.

Efficacy comparison of multipoint and single point scanning panretinal laser photocoagulation in non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy treatment.

BACKGROUND: Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) poses a significant challenge in diabetes management due to its microvascular changes in the retina. Laser photocoagulation, a conventional therapy, aims to mitigate the risk of progressing to proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). AIM: To compare the efficacy and safety of multi-spot vs single-spot scanning panretinal laser photocoagulation in NPDR patients. METHODS: Forty-nine NPDR patients (86 eyes) treated between September 2020 and July 2022 were included. They were randomly allocated into single-spot (n = 23, 40 eyes) and multi-spot (n = 26, 46 eyes) groups. Treatment outcomes, including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), and mean threshold sensitivity, were assessed at predetermined intervals over 12 months. Adverse reactions were also recorded. RESULTS: Energy levels did not significantly differ between groups (P > 0.05), but the multi-spot group exhibited lower energy density (P < 0.05). BCVA and CMT improvements were noted in the multi-spot group at one-month post-treatment (P < 0.05). Adverse reaction incidence was similar between groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: While energy intensity and safety were comparable between modalities, multi-spot scanning demonstrated lower energy density and showed superior short-term improvements in BCVA and CMT for NPDR patients, with reduced laser-induced damage.

Clinical Characteristics of Overweight Patients With Acute Exacerbation Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (AECOPD).

INTRODUCTION: Low body weight in patients with COPD is associated with a poor prognosis and more comorbidities. However, the impact of increased body weight in patients with COPD remains controversial. The aim of this study was to explore the clinical features of overweight patients with AECOPD. METHODS: In this multicenter cross-sectional study, a total of 647 AECOPD patients were recruited. Finally, 269 normal weight and 162 overweight patients were included. Baseline characteristics and clinical and laboratory data were collected. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was performed to determine potential features, which were substituted into binary logistic regression to reveal overweight-associated clinical features. The nomogram and its associated curves were established to visualize and verify the logistic regression model. RESULTS: Six potential overweight-associated variables were selected by LASSO regression. Subsequently, a binary logistic regression model identified that the rates of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and hypertension and levels of lymphocytes (LYM)%, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were independent variables of overweight in AECOPD patients. The C-index and AUC of the ROC curve of the nomogram were 0.671 and 0.666, respectively. The DCA curve revealed that the nomogram had more clinical benefits if the threshold was at a range of 0.22~0.78. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, we revealed that T2DM and hypertension were more common, and LYM% and ALT were higher in AECOPD patients with overweight than those with normal weight. The result suggests that AECOPD patients with overweight are at risk for additional comorbidities, potentially leading to worse outcomes.

Highly efficient selective extraction of Li from spent LiNixCoyMnzO2 assisted with activated pyrite in a subcritical water system.

As the strategic importance of Li in the energy sector increases, selective Li extraction technology from spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is attracting increasing attention. Current Li extraction processes typically suffer from lengthy procedures, high costs, and low efficiency. To improve the efficiency of Li extraction, a novel approach to achieve efficient Li recovery is proposed in this study, namely, reacting pyrite (FeS2) with LiNixCoyMnzO2 (NCM) powder in a subcritical water reduction (SWR) system. The reducing solvent environment created by the enhanced reaction of FeS2 with subcritical water converts the high-valent metals in NCM to a low-valent state, causing the collapse of the stable laminar structure and allowing Li+ to be released smoothly. After dual activation through mechanochemical and roasting processes, more than 99 % of Li is preferentially extracted under optimal conditions. Furthermore, Li+ in solution is converted into highly pure Li2CO3, while other metallic elements remain in the residue. Using inexpensive FeS2 for efficient Li extraction without adding additional chemical reagents is a promising approach for recovering spent LIBs.

Best evidence summary for aspiration prevention and management in critically ill patients with nasogastric feeding.

AIM: To evaluate and summarize the available evidence on the prevention and management of nasogastric aspiration in critically ill patients to inform the development of evidence-based clinical practice. DESIGN: This study was an evidence summary according to the evidence summary reporting standard of the Fudan University Center for Evidence-Based Nursing. METHOD: According to the '6S' model of evidence resources, evidence on the prevention and management of aspiration in critically ill patients on nasogastric feeding was retrieved, including clinical decision-making, best practices, guidelines, evidence summaries, expert consensus and systematic evaluations. DATA: UpToDate, BMJ Best Practice, JBI, National Guideline Clearing-house, Guidelines International Network, Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, Registered Nurses Association of Ontario, Yi Mai tong Guidelines Network, the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, OVID, Sinomed, CNKI, Wan Fang database. The search period was from January 2013 to June 2023. RESULTS: We included a total of 30 high-quality articles and summarized 36 pieces of evidence from them. These pieces of evidence covered 11 dimensions of multidisciplinary management, aspiration risk assessment, tube location, nutritional infusion management, position management, airway management, and oral hygiene. The level of evidence in the study was predominantly level 1 and level 5, with 27 pieces of evidence recommended as 'strong' and 9 pieces of evidence recommended as 'weak'. CONCLUSION: This study summarizes 36 pieces of evidence on preventing and managing aspiration in critically ill patients with nasogastric feeding. But the characteristics of hospitals should be considered in the application of future evidence. IMPACT: Aspiration is the most serious complication during nasogastric feeding, which seriously affects the prognosis of patients. Preventing and managing aspiration in nasogastric patients has proven to be a challenging clinical problem. This study summarized 36 pieces of best evidence in 11 dimensions, including multidisciplinary team, assessment and identification, line position, feeding management, and so on. The implementation of these evidences is conducive to standardizing the operation behaviour of nasogastric feeding in clinical medical staff and reducing the occurrence of aspiration. REPORTING METHOD: This research followed the evidence summary reporting specifications of the Fudan University Center for Evidence-based Nursing. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The registration number is 'ES20221368'.

Antibiotic prophylaxis vs. on­demand antibiotic treatment in endoscopic therapy for variceal hemorrhage: A meta­analysis of randomized controlled trials.

The aim of the present study was to conduct a meta-analysis for elucidating the effects of antibiotic prophylaxis on infection, rebleeding and mortality in patients who underwent endoscopic therapy for variceal hemorrhage. Articles on antibiotic prophylaxis and on-demand antibiotic administration following endoscopic therapy for acute variceal bleeding were searched on PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library between January 1959 and February 2024, to elucidate whether the use of prophylactic antibiotics was necessary. The quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool and RevMan software version 5.4.1 was used for meta-analysis of the data. The current meta-analysis included four RCTs and 322 patients with acute variceal bleeding who underwent endoscopic therapy. All included studies were of high quality according to the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool. According to the results of the meta-analysis, the incidence of infection in the prophylactic antibiotic group was significantly lower than that in the on-demand group [odds ratio (OR), 0.31; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.13-0.74; P=0.009]. The prophylactic antibiotic group also exhibited a lower incidence of rebleeding compared with that of the on-demand group (OR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.19-0.72; P=0.003). No significant differences were noted in the incidence of mortality between the two groups (OR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.45-1.92; P=0.83). In conclusion, the data indicated that antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended to be used in patients who have undergone endoscopic therapy for variceal hemorrhage.

Rheumatoid meningitis in the absence of rheumatoid arthritis: 2 cases.

Rheumatoid meningitis (RM) is a rare extra-articular manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) that has been increasingly recognized by neurologists. However, the diversity of its clinical manifestations makes its diagnosis difficult. RM does not have a unified diagnostic standard, and its link with RA needs to be studied further. Here we report two cases of RM without a history of RA. The first patient, an 80-year-old woman, presented with sudden unilateral limb weakness, with brain MR showing abnormal signals in the leptomeningeal of the right frontal parietal. Subarachnoid hemorrhage was excluded after imaging examination, and infectious meningitis was ruled out after cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination. The patient was diagnosed as having RM, she had increased levels of CCP and AKA, the markers of RA, but no history of the disease or other clinical manifestations of it. Another case, a 65-year-old man, was hospitalized with Bell's palsy. We found that he had intracranial imaging changes highly consistent with those characteristic of RM during his routine examination. Except for the left peripheral facial palsy, the patient had no other neurological signs or symptoms and no RA history. After a careful physical examination, we found no joint or other manifestations or serological abnormalities consistent with RA (RF, CCP, AKA, etc.). However, after excluding infection meningitis and considering the patient's unique imaging results, we diagnosed him as having RM. We report these two cases as references for clinical diagnosis and treatment of RM, providing a discussion of our rationale.

Pioglitazone Antagonized the Effects of Advanced Glycation End Products on Achilles Tendon Healing and Improved the Recovery of Tendon Biomechanical Properties.

Purpose: Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) often accumulate in the Achilles tendon during the course of diabetes. This study aims to determine the impact of AGEs on tendon repair and explore the role of pioglitazone in mitigating this impact. Methods: Forty-eight male 8 week-old Sprague Dawley rats were selected in this study. After transection of Achilles tendon, the rats were randomly divided into four groups. The Achilles tendons of rats were injected with 1000 mmol/L D-ribose to elevate the content of AGEs within the tendons in two groups, the remaining two groups received injections of phosphate buffered saline (PBS) solution. Subsequently, the first two groups were respectively received oral administration of pioglitazone (20 mg/kg/day) and PBS. The remaining two groups were given the same treatment. The expression of the collagen-I, TNF-α, IL-6 of the repaired tendon were detected. The macroscopic, pathologic and biomechanical aspects of tendon healing were also evaluated. Results: AGEs accumulation in tendon during the healing process increases the expression of inflammatory factors such as TNF-α and IL-6, leading to insufficient synthesis of collagen-I and delayed recovery of the tendon's tensile strength. Pioglitazone significantly attenuated the damage caused by AGEs to the tendon healing process, effectively improving the recovery of tendon tensile strength. Pioglitazone could not inhibit the generation of AGEs in the tissue and also had no impact on the normal healing process of the tendon. Conclusions: Pioglitazone could prevent the deleterious impact of AGEs on the Achilles tendon healing and improve the biomechanical properties of the tendon.

Fabricated advanced textile for personal thermal management, intelligent health monitoring and energy harvesting.

Fabrics are soft against the skin, flexible, easily accessible and able to wick away perspiration, to some extent for local private thermal management. In this review, we classify smart fabrics as passive thermal management fabrics and active thermal management fabrics based on the availability of outside energy consumption in the manipulation of heat generation and dissipation from the human body. The mechanism and research status of various thermal management fabrics are introduced in detail, and the article also analyses the advantages and disadvantages of various smart thermal management fabrics, achieving a better and more comprehensive comprehension of the current state of research on smart thermal management fabrics, which is quite an important reference guide for our future research. In addition, with the progress of science and technology, the social demand for fabrics has shifted from keeping warm to improving health and quality of life. E-textiles have potential value in areas such as remote health monitoring and life signal detection. New e-textiles are designed to mimic the skin, sense biological data and transmit information. At the same time, the ultra-moisturizing properties of the fabric's thermal management allow for applications beyond just the human body to energy. E-textiles hold great promise for energy harvesting and storage. The article also introduces the application of smart fabrics in life forms and energy harvesting. By combining electronic technology with textiles, e-textiles can be manufactured to promote human well-being and quality of life. Although smart textiles are equipped with more intelligent features, wearing comfort must be the first thing to be ensured in the multi-directional application of textiles. Eventually, we discuss the dares and prospects of smart thermal management fabric research.

Electron Tandem Transport Channel in a Cu3P/Sv-ZnIn2S4 p-n Heterojunction for Photothermal-Photocatalytic Benzyl Alcohol Oxidation and H2 Production.

The development of photocatalytic systems with an electron tandem transport channel represents a promising avenue for improving the utilization of photogenerated electrons and holes despite encountering significant challenges. In this study, ZnIn2S4 (Sv-ZIS) with sulfur vacancies was fabricated using a solvothermal technique to create defect energy levels. Subsequently, Cu3P nanoparticles were coupled onto the surface of Sv-ZIS, forming a Cu3P/Sv-ZIS p-n heterojunction with an electron tandem transport channel. Experimental findings demonstrated that this tandem transport channel enhanced the carrier lifetime and separation efficiency. In addition, mechanistic investigations unveiled the formation of a robust built-in electric field (BEF) at the interface between Cu3P and Sv-ZIS, providing a driving force for electron migration. The combined consequences of the transport channel, the strong BEF, and photothermal effect led to a surface carrier separation efficiency of 65.85%. Consequently, Cu3P/Sv-ZIS achieved simultaneous H2 yield and benzaldehyde production rates of 18,101.4 and 15,012.6 µmol·g-1·h-1, which were 2.31 and 2.62 times higher than those of ZnIn2S4, respectively. This work exemplifies the design of the p-n heterojunction for the efficient utilization of photogenerated electrons and holes.