The effect of health literacy on health investment intention: a cross-sectional study among petrochemical employees in China.

Backgrounds: In the petrochemical industry, employees are exposed to various health hazards, which pose serious challenges to their health and hinder the sustainable development of the petrochemical industry. Investing in health has proved a potential strategy to enhance general health. However, global health investment is notably insufficient, mainly due to the public's limited intention to invest in their health. While past research has identified various determinants of health investment intentions, the relationship between health literacy and health investment intention remains somewhat controversial and needs more empirical validation. Objectives: This study aims to assess the level of health literacy and health investment intention among employees in one of China's largest petrochemical companies and to explore the effect of health literacy on health investment intention. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a petrochemical company. The valid sample size for this study was 39,911 respondents. Data were collected using a designed questionnaire, including socio-demographic information, questions about health investment intention, and the "2020 National Health Literacy Monitoring Questionnaire." Several statistical analysis methods were employed, including descriptive analysis, Chi-square test, logistic regression, and multiple linear regression. Results: The study disclosed an average health literacy score of 56.11 (SD = 10.34) among employees, with 52.1% surpassing the qualification threshold. The "Chronic Disease" dimension exhibited the lowest qualification rate at 33.0%. Furthermore, 71.5% of the employees expressed an intention to invest in health, yet a significant portion (34.5%) opted for the minimal investment choice, less than 2,000 RMB. Logistic regression analysis indicated a positive correlation between health literacy and health investment intention (OR = 1.474; p < 0.001). This association's robustness was further indicated by multiple linear regression analyses (ß = 0.086, p<0.001). Conclusion: The employees' health literacy significantly exceeds the national average for Chinese citizens, yet the qualified rate in the "Chronic Disease" dimension remains notably low. A majority of employees have the intention to invest in health, albeit modestly. Furthermore, while health literacy does positively influence health investment intention, this effect is somewhat limited. Accordingly, personalized Health education should be prioritized, with a focus on improving chronic disease knowledge and facilitating the internalization of health knowledge into health beliefs.

Preparation of molecularly imprinted polymer for the specific adsorption and selective extraction of alkylresorcinols from whole wheat flour.

Alkylresorcinols are important biomarkers for evaluating whole wheat foods. However, their structures encompass a broad spectrum of homologs, making isolating and analyzing individual alkylresorcinol notably challenging. Herein, we synthesized highly selective molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) utilizing a facile and cost-effective precipitation polymerization method and 5-heneicosylresorcinol (ARC21:0) as the template molecule. Various crucial preparation parameters were systematically optimized, such as different porogens, functional monomers, imprinting ratios, and polymerization time. The polymers were characterized through scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and their adsorption performances were thoroughly evaluated. MIPs exhibited a notably enhanced adsorption capacity compared with that of non-imprinted polymers, reaching an optimal adsorption amount of 71.75 mg·mL-1 and imprinting factor of 2.02. Altogether, the synthesized MIPs showed superior affinity and selectivity for ARC21:0, as confirmed by their selective extraction, suggesting their potential applications in the analysis, separation, and monitoring of ARC21:0 in whole wheat foods.

Causal associations between gut microbiota and synovitis-tenosynovitis: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study.

Background: Increasing evidence indicates that gut microbiota dysbiosis is related to synovitis and tenosynovitis. Nonetheless, whether these associations are causal is currently unknown. Objectives: A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study was performed to reveal the causality of gut microbiota with synovitis and tenosynovitis. Methods: The summary statistical data from a large-scale genome-wide association study (GWAS) were applied as the basis for a two-sample MR analysis. The causal effect was estimated using inverse variance weighted (IVW), weighted median, simple mode, MR-Egger, and weighted mode methods, of which IVW was the important method. Meanwhile, the pleiotropy and heterogeneity were detected and measured using MR-Egger regression, Cochran's Q statistics, funnel plots, and MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO) methods. Results: The IVW technique demonstrated that genetically predicted five genera, namely Gordonibacter [odds ratio (OR) = 0.999, 95% confidence interval (CI): (0.9977, 0.9998), p = 0.019], Paraprevotella [OR = 0.999, 95% CI: (0.9971, 0.9999), p = 0.036], Lachnoclostridium [OR = 0.998, 95% CI: (0.9954, 0.9999), p = 0.041], RuminococcaceaeUCG003 [OR = 0.997, 95% CI: (0.9955, 0.9994), p = 0.011], and FamilyXIIIAD3011group [OR = 0.997, 95% CI: (0.9954, 0.9992), p = 0.006] were negatively correlated with the risk of synovitis and tenosynovitis, while two other genera, namely Ruminococcustorquesgroup [OR = 1.003, 95% CI: (1.0004, 1.0049), p = 0.019] and Parabacteroides [OR = 1.003, 95% CI: (1.0002, 1.0052), p = 0.035] were positively associated with synovitis and tenosynovitis risk. In addition, the data of sensitivity analyses demonstrated that there were no outliers, horizontal pleiotropy, or heterogeneity in the causal relationship of the above-mentioned gut microbiota on synovitis and tenosynovitis (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The results of the study suggested that the gut microbiota was causally involved in synovitis and tenosynovitis and identified specific bacterial taxa that affect synovitis and tenosynovitis, which provide new insights into the pathogenesis underlying the development of synovitis and tenosynovitis mediated by gut microbiota.

Innovations in WO3 gas sensors: Nanostructure engineering, functionalization, and future perspectives.

This review critically examines the progress and challenges in the field of nanostructured tungsten oxide (WO3) gas sensors. It delves into the significant advancements achieved through nanostructuring and composite formation of WO3, which have markedly improved sensor sensitivity for gases like NO2, NH3, and VOCs, achieving detection limits in the ppb range. The review systematically explores various innovative approaches, such as doping WO3 with transition metals, creating heterojunctions with materials like CuO and graphene, and employing machine learning models to optimize sensor configurations. The challenges facing WO3 sensors are also thoroughly examined. Key issues include cross-sensitivity to different gases, particularly at higher temperatures, and long-term stability affected by factors like grain growth and volatility of dopants. The review assesses potential solutions to these challenges, including statistical analysis of sensor arrays, surface functionalization, and the use of novel nanostructures for enhanced performance and selectivity. In addition, the review discusses the impact of ambient humidity on sensor performance and the current strategies to mitigate it, such as composite materials with humidity shielding effects and surface functionalization with hydrophobic groups. The need for high operating temperatures, leading to higher power consumption, is also addressed, along with possible solutions like the use of advanced materials and new transduction principles to lower temperature requirements. The review concludes by highlighting the necessity for a multidisciplinary approach in future research. This approach should combine materials synthesis, device engineering, and data science to develop the next generation of WO3 sensors with enhanced sensitivity, ultrafast response rates, and improved portability. The integration of machine learning and IoT connectivity is posited as a key driver for new applications in areas like personal exposure monitoring, wearable diagnostics, and smart city networks, underlining WO3's potential as a robust gas sensing material in future technological advancements.

Operando Mobile Catalysis for Reverse Water Gas Shift Reaction.

Metal atoms on the support serve as active sites for many heterogeneous catalysts. However, the active metal sites on the support are conventionally described as static, and the intermediates adsorbed on the support far away from the active metal sites cannot be transformed. Herein, we report the first example of operando mobile catalysis to promote catalytic efficiency by enhancing the collision probability between active sites and reactants or reaction intermediates. Specifically, ligand-coordinated Pt single atoms (isolated MeCpPt- species) are bonded on CeO2 and transformed into mobile MeCpPt(H)CO complexes during the reverse water gas shift reaction for operando mobile catalysis. This strategy enables the conversion of inert carbonate intermediates on the CeO2 support. A turnover frequency (TOF) of 6358 mol CO2 molPt -1 ⋅ h-1 and 99 % CO selectivity at 300 °C is obtained for reverse water gas shift reaction, dramatically higher than those of Pt catalysts reported in the literature. Operando mobile catalysis presents a promising strategy for designing high-efficiency heterogeneous catalysts for various chemical reactions and applications.

Work-family conflict among primary health workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: Its mediating role in the relationship between workload and job burnout.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study explores the situation of workload, work-family conflict and job burnout among primary health workers in China in the context of COVID-19 and identifies the mediating effect of work-family conflict between workload and job burnout. BACKGROUND: Since the breakout of the COVID-19 pandemic, primary health workers have been working on the frontline of the epidemic and may experience increasing workload, work-family conflict and job burnout. It is important to focus on the issue of how to alleviate job burnout of primary health workers. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study (STROBE) was used. METHODS: Data were collected from 785 primary health workers in China. Multiple regression analysis was used to examine the mediating effect of work-family conflict between workload and job burnout. RESULTS: 18.7%, 10.4% and 39.5% of respondents had high job burnout in the dimensions of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and personal accomplishment, respectively. 34.6% of the respondents had high or very high workload, and 12.8% of the respondents had high or very high work-family conflict. Results of multiple regression analysis indicated that work-family conflict mediated the relationship between workload and job burnout. Workload (ß = .163, CI = .207-.549) and work-family conflict (ß = .211, CI = .311-.640) positively influenced job burnout, and workload (ß = .428, CI = .375-.508) positively influenced work-family conflict. CONCLUSION: The study indicated that primary health workers experienced a high level of job burnout, especially in the personal accomplishment dimension. Furthermore, this study verified the mediating effect of work-family conflict between workload and job burnout. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Some interventions for alleviating workload, work-family conflict and job burnout should be taken, including workplace assistance programmes, family-friendly policies and a well-integrated healthcare system. NO PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: This study does not involve patient or public contribution in any part. IMPACT STATEMENT: Nurses and other primary health workers are health gatekeepers of residents and play a vital role in the healthcare system. Due to the breakout of COVID-19, they have taken more work and are more vulnerable to work overload, work-family conflict and the consequent job burnout. Some interventions should be taken to effectively alleviate their job burnout and improve their health and performance.

Clinical and genetic analysis of infants with pontocerebellar hypoplasia type 6 caused by RARS2 variations.

OBJECTIVE: Defects in RARS2 cause cerebellopontine hypoplasia type 6 (pontocerebellar hypoplasia type 6, PCH6, OMIM: #611523), a rare autosomal recessive inherited mitochondrial disease. Here, we report two male patients and their respective family histories. METHODS: We describe the clinical presentation and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of these patients. Whole-exome sequencing was used to identify the genetic mutations. RESULTS: One patient showed hypoglycemia, high lactic acid levels (fluctuating from 6.7 to 14.1 mmol/L), and frequent seizures after birth, with progressive atrophy of the cerebrum, cerebellum, and pons. The other patient presented with early infantile developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (EIDEEs) with an initial developmental delay followed by infantile epileptic spasm syndrome (IESS) at 5 months old, with no imaging changes. Whole-exome sequencing identified compound heterozygous RARS2 variants c.25A>G (p.I9V) with c.1261C>T (p.Q421*) and c.1A>G (p.M1V) with c.122A>G (p.D41G) in these two patients. Of these loci, c.1261C>T and c.122A>G have not been previously reported. SIGNIFICANCE: Our findings have expanded the RARS2 gene variant spectrum and present EIDEEs and IESS as phenotypes which deepened the association between PCH6 and RARS2. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Defects in RARS2 cause cerebellopontine hypoplasia type 6, a rare autosomal recessive inherited mitochondrial disease. Two patients with RARS2 variants were reported in this article. One patient showed hypoglycemia, high lactic acid levels, and frequent seizures after birth, with progressive atrophy of the cerebrum, cerebellum, and Page 3 of 21 Epilepsia OpenFor Review Only pons. The other patient presented with an initial developmental delay followed by refractory epilepsy at 5 months old, with no imaging changes. Our findings deepened the association between PCH6 and RARS2.

Tailoring the Brønsted acidity of Ti-OH species by regulating Pt-TiO2 interaction.

Bifunctional catalysts comprising metal and acid sites are commonly used for many reactions. Interfacial acid sites impact intermediate reactions more than other sites. However, controlling the type and amounts of interfacial acid sites by regulating metal-support interaction (MSI) via traditional methods is difficult. Thus, the influence of MSI on interfacial acid sites remains unclear. We prepared Pt-mTiO2/α-Al2O3 (m represents the cycle number of TiO2) catalysts via atomic layer deposition (ALD). New Brønsted acid sites were generated via Pt-TiO2 interaction, and the acidity was precisely regulated by regulating Pt-TiO2 interaction by changing the TiO2 nanolayer thickness. We chose levulinic acid (LA) hydrogenation as a model reaction. The catalytic activity varied with the TiO2 nanolayer thickness and was linearly correlated with the Ti-OH species (Brønsted acid) content. Pt-40TiO2/α-Al2O3, with the highest acid site content of 0.486 mmol/g, exhibited the best catalytic activity. Hydrogen spillover and water dissociation at the Pt-TiO2 interface promoted Ti-OH species generation.

Plasmonic Nanoparticle-Enhanced Optical Techniques for Cancer Biomarker Sensing.

This review summarizes recent advances in leveraging localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) nanotechnology for sensitive cancer biomarker detection. LSPR arising from noble metal nanoparticles under light excitation enables the enhancement of various optical techniques, including surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), dark-field microscopy (DFM), photothermal imaging, and photoacoustic imaging. Nanoparticle engineering strategies are discussed to optimize LSPR for maximum signal amplification. SERS utilizes electromagnetic enhancement from plasmonic nanostructures to boost inherently weak Raman signals, enabling single-molecule sensitivity for detecting proteins, nucleic acids, and exosomes. DFM visualizes LSPR nanoparticles based on scattered light color, allowing for the ultrasensitive detection of cancer cells, microRNAs, and proteins. Photothermal imaging employs LSPR nanoparticles as contrast agents that convert light to heat, producing thermal images that highlight cancerous tissues. Photoacoustic imaging detects ultrasonic waves generated by LSPR nanoparticle photothermal expansion for deep-tissue imaging. The multiplexing capabilities of LSPR techniques and integration with microfluidics and point-of-care devices are reviewed. Remaining challenges, such as toxicity, standardization, and clinical sample analysis, are examined. Overall, LSPR nanotechnology shows tremendous potential for advancing cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment monitoring through the integration of nanoparticle engineering, optical techniques, and microscale device platforms.

Crucial involvement of fast waves and Delta band in the brain network attributes of infantile epileptic spasms syndrome.

Objective: This study aims to describe the characteristics of the brain network attributes in children diagnosed with Infantile Epileptic Spasms Syndrome (IESS) and to determine the influence exerted by adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) or methylprednisolone (MP) on network attributes. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we recruited 19 infants diagnosed with IESS and 10 healthy subjects as the control from the Pediatric Neurology Department at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between October 2019 and December 2020. The first thirty-minute processed electroencephalograms (EEGs) were clipped and filtered into EEG frequency bands (2 s each). A comparative assessment was conducted between the IESS group and the controls as well as the pre- and post-treatment in the IESS group. Mutual information values for each EEG channel were collected and compared including characteristic path length (CPL), node degree (ND), clustering coefficient (CC), and betweenness centrality (BC), based on graph theory. Results: Comparing the control group, in the IESS group, there was an increase in CPL of the Delta band, and a decrease in ND and CC of the Delta band during the waking period, contrary to those during the sleeping period (P < 0.05), a decreased in CPL of the fast waves and an increase in ND and CC (P < 0.05) in the sleep-wake cycle, and a decrease in ND and CC of the Theta band in the waking phase. Post-treatment compared with the pre-treatment, during the waking ictal phase, there was a noted decrease in CPL in the Delta band and fast waves, while an increase was observed in ND and CC (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The Delta band and fast waves are crucial components of the network attributes in IESS. Significance: This investigation provides a precise characterization of the brain network in children afflicted with IESS, and lays the groundwork for predicting the prognosis using graph theory.

Catalyzing Generation and Stabilization of Oxygen Vacancies on CeO2-x Nanorods by Pt Nanoclusters as Nanozymes for Catalytic Therapy.

Although CeO2 nanomaterials have been widely explored as nanozymes for catalytic therapy, they still suffer from relatively low activities. Herein, the catalyzing generation and stabilization of oxygen vacancies on CeO2 nanorods by Pt nanoclusters via H2 gas reduction under mild temperature (350 °C) to obtain Pt/CeO2- x , which can serve as a highly efficient nanozyme for catalytic cancer therapy, is reported. The deposited Pt on CeO2 by the atomic layer deposition technique not only can serve as the catalyst to generate oxygen vacancies under mild temperature reduction through the hydrogen spillover effect, but also can stabilize the generated oxygen vacancies. Meanwhile, the oxygen vacancies also provide anchoring sites for Pt forming strong metal-support interactions and thus preventing their agglomerations. Importantly, the Pt/CeO2- x reduced at 350 °C (Pt/CeO2- x -350R) exhibits excellent enzyme-mimicking catalytic activity for generation of reactive oxygen species (e.g., ·OH) as compared to other control samples, including CeO2 , Pt/CeO2 , and Pt/CeO2- x reduced at other temperatures, thus achieving excellent performance for tumor-specific catalytic therapy to efficiently eliminate cancer cells in vitro and ablate tumors in vivo. The excellent enzyme-mimicking catalytic activity of Pt/CeO2- x -350R originates from the good catalytic activities of oxygen vacancy-rich CeO2- x and Pt nanoclusters.

Clinical and genetic characteristics of 36 children with Joubert syndrome.

Background and aims: Joubert syndrome (JBTS, OMIM # 213300) is a group of ciliopathies characterized by mid-hindbrain malformation, developmental delay, hypotonia, oculomotor apraxia, and breathing abnormalities. Molar tooth sign in brain imaging is the hallmark for diagnosing JBTS. It is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorder involving mutations in more than 40 ciliopathy-related genes. However, long-term follow-up data are scarce, and further research is needed to determine the abundant phenotypes and genetics of this disorder. The study aimed to summarize clinical manifestations, particular appearance on cranial imaging, genetic data, and prognostic features of patients with JBTS. Methods: A retrospective case review of 36 cases of JBTS from May 1986 to December 2021 was performed. Clinical data of JBTS patients with development retardation and molar tooth sign on cranial imaging as the main features were analyzed. Genetic testing was performed according to consent obtained from patients and their families. The Gesell Developmental Scale was used to evaluate the intelligence level before and after treatment. The children were divided into a purely neurological JBTS (pure JBTS) group and JBTS with multi-organ system involvement group and then followed up every 3-6 months. Results: We enrolled 18 males and 18 females. Thirty-four (94.44%) cases had developmental delay, one patient (2.78%) had strabismus, and one patient (2.78%) had intermittent dizziness. There was one case co-morbid with Lesch-Nyhan syndrome. Three-quarters of cases had one or more other organ or system involvement, with a greater predilection for vision and hearing impairment. JBTS could also involve the skin. Thirty-one cases (86.11%) showed a typical molar tooth sign, and five cases showed a bat wing sign on cranial imaging. Abnormal video electroencephalogram (VEEG) result was obtained in 7.69% of cases. We found six JBTS-related novel gene loci variants: CPLANE1: c.4189 + 1G > A, c.3101T > C(p.Ile1034Thr), c.3733T > C (p.Cys1245Arg), c.4080G > A(p.Lys1360=); RPGRIP1l: c.1351-11A > G; CEP120: c.214 C > T(p.Arg72Cys). The CHD7 gene may be potentially related to the occurrence of JBTS. Analysis showed that the prognosis of pure JBTS was better than that of JBTS with neurological and non-neurological involvement after the formal rehabilitation treatment (P < 0.05). Of the three children with seizures, two cases had epilepsy with a poor prognosis, and another case had breath-holding spells. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that early cranial imaging is helpful for the etiological diagnosis of children with unexplained developmental delay and multiple malformations. Patients with JBTS may have coexisting skin abnormalities. The novel gene loci of CPLANE1, RPGRIP1l, and CEP120 were associated with JBTS in our study and provided significant information to enrich the related genetic data. Future works investigating several aspects of the association between CHD7 gene and JBTS merit further investigation. The prognosis of children with pure JBTS is better than that of children with JBTS with non-neurological involvement.

Clinical and genetic analysis of Christianson syndrome caused by variant of SLC9A6: case report and literature review.

Background: Intellectual disability, X-linked, syndromic, Christianson type (MRXSCH, OMIM: 300243)-known as Christianson syndrome (CS)-is characterized by microcephaly, epilepsy, ataxia, and absence of verbal language ability. CS is attributed to mutations in the solute carrier family 9 member A6 gene (SLC9A6). Materials and methods: This study reports the case of a boy 1 year and 3 months of age who was diagnosed with CS in our department. Genetic etiology was determined by whole-exome sequencing, and a minigene splicing assay was used to verify whether the mutation affected splicing. A literature review of CS cases was conducted and the clinical and genetic features were summarized. Results: The main clinical manifestations of CS include seizures, developmental regression, and exceptional facial features. Whole-exome sequencing revealed a de novo splice variant in intron 11 (c.1366 + 1G > C) of SLC9A6. The mutation produced two abnormal mRNA products (verified by a minigene splicing assay), resulting in the formation of truncated protein. A total of 95 CS cases were identified in the literature, with various symptoms, such as delayed intellectual development (95/95, 100.00%), epilepsy (87/88, 98.86%), and absent verbal language (75/83, 90.36%). At least 50 pathogenic variants of SLC9A6 have been identified, with the highest frequency observed in exon 12. Conclusion: Our patient is the first case with the c.1366 + 1G > C variant of SLC9A6 in CS. The summary of known cases can serve as a reference for analyzing the mutation spectrum and pathogenesis of CS.

Combined conditioning of inorganic coagulant and polyamine to improve the dewaterability of municipal sludge, minimize dosage and reduce the influence of filtrate.

Efficient dewatering of sludge is necessary for its cost-effective transportation and final disposal. However, the common method of using polyferric sulfate (PFS) and polyacrylamide (PAM) requires a large amount of dosage and produces high iron ion content in the filtrate. This study examined a solution of applying polyamine (PA) coupled with inorganic coagulant PFS. The results demonstrated that using PFS + PA together could achieve the same or similar filtering rates as using PFS + PAM. The capillary suction time (CST) of PFS + PA (89.0 s) was equivalent to that of PFS (75.1 s) and better than that of PA (117.1 s) and raw sludge (RS, 403.8 s). Compared with PFS + PAM, the combination of PFS and PA efficiently removed Fe ions and chemical oxygen demand (COD) in sludge water content, with Fe ions in the sludge filtrate reduced by 97.8% and COD reduced by 78.9%, respectively. By analyzing the basic physicochemical properties of the sludge system, including the synergistic effect of coagulation and flocculation, sludge hydrolysis and flocculation, it indicated that PA + PFS could reduce bound water. These results demonstrated that combining PFS and PA to improve sludge dewatering performance is more beneficial than utilizing a coagulant or flocculant alone, even PFS + PAM.

Efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal medicines combined with cyclophosphamide for connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) combined with cyclophosphamide (CTX) for connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease (CTD-ILD) by performing a meta-analysis. Methods: We searched RCTs of Chinese herbal medicines therapy for connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease in ten databases. Methodological quality assessment was performed by the Cochrane collaboration tool. RevMan v5.3 and Stata v14.0 software were used for performing data analysis. This study was conducted and reported following the PRISMA checklist. Results: Overall, seven RCTs with 506 participants were included for this analysis. Current data indicated that Chinese herbal medicines combined with cyclophosphamide contributed to a betterment in improving the clinical efficacy rate of connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease [risk ratio (RR) = 1.21, 95% confidence interval (CI): (1.09, 1.35), p = 0.0003], tended to benefit improvement of lung function, which included VC [weighted mean difference (WMD) = 9.49, 95% CI: (5.54, 13.45), p < 0.00001], FVC [standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.83, 95% CI: (0.36, 1.29), p = 0.0005], FEV1 [SMD = 0.54, 95% CI: (0.23, 0.86), p = 0.0008], TLC [SMD = 0.90, 95% CI: (0.68, 1.13), p < 0.00001], DLCO [SMD = 1.05, 95% CI: (0.38, 1.73), p = 0.002], and MVV [SMD = 0.83, 95% CI: (0.50, 1.17), p < 0.00001], and it also could significantly reduce the HRCT integral of lungs [SMD = -2.02, 95% CI: (-3.14, -0.91), p = 0.0004] and the level of ESR [WMD = -13.33, 95% CI: (-18.58, -8.09), p < 0.00001]. Furthermore, there was no statistical significance in the incidence of adverse events (AEs), which indicate that Chinese herbal medicines combined with cyclophosphamide is safe and does not increase adverse events compared with cyclophosphamide alone. Conclusion: Our analysis indicates that Chinese herbal medicines combined with cyclophosphamide may be a more effective strategy on the treatment of connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease in the clinic. Because it included studies with relatively small sample size, the results need to be confirmed by more well-designed and large-scale RCTs. Systematic Review Registration: https://10.37766/inplasy2022.12.0010.

Efficacy of Bushen Jiangu therapy in the treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) is the most common secondary osteoporosis. Bushen Jiangu (BSJG), a classic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapy, is widely used for treatment of GIOP. We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of BSJG therapy on the treatment of GIOP. METHODS: We searched randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of BSJG therapy for GIOP in 10 databases. Methodological quality assessment was performed by using the Cochrane collaboration tool. RevMan v5.3 and Stata v14.0 software were used for performing data analysis. This study was conducted and reported following the PRISMA checklist. RESULTS: Overall, 14 RCTs with 988 participants met the inclusion criteria. Pooled results indicated that BSJG therapy contributed to a betterment in improving the clinical efficacy rate of GIOP (risk ratio [RR] = 1.22, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.14, 1.30, P < .00001). The pooled results also indicated that BSJG therapy increased lumbar spine bone mineral density (LS-BMD) (weighted mean difference [WMD] = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.08, 0.33, P = .001), total hip bone mineral density (TH-BMD) (WMD = 0.16, 95% CI: 0.09, 0.24, P < .0001), and femoral neck bone mineral density (FN-BMD) (WMD = 0.07, 95% CI: 0.03, 0.10, P = .0001). Furthermore, our results indicated that BSJG therapy improved visual analogue scale (VAS) score (WMD = -0.60, 95% CI: -0.97, -0.23, P = .002), parathyroid hormone (PTH) (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -0.93, 95% CI: -1.58, -0.27, P = .006), and N-terminal propeptide of type I precollagen (PINP) (SMD = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.44, 0.95, P < .00001). In terms of safety, there was no significant difference in the adverse events (AEs) between the 2 groups (RR = 1.45, 95% CI: 0.63, 3.31, P = .38). CONCLUSION: Our analysis indicates that BSJG therapy has a valid and safe effect on the treatment of GIOP in the clinic. However, the results need to be confirmed in more well-designed and large-scale RCTs.

Mechanistic Insight into the Synergy between Platinum Single Atom and Cluster Dual Active Sites Boosting Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution.

In the energy transition context, the design and synthesis of high-performance Pt-based photocatalysts with low Pt content and ultrahigh atom-utilization efficiency for hydrogen production are essential. Herein, a facile approach for decorating atomically dispersed Pt cocatalysts having single-atom (SA) and atomic cluster (C) dual active sites on CdS nanorods (PtSA+C /CdS) via atomic layer deposition is reported. The size of the cocatalyst and the spatial intimacy of the cocatalyst active sites are precisely engineered at the atomic scale. The PtSA+C /CdS photocatalysts show the optimized photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity, achieving a reaction rate of 80.4 mmol h-1 g-1 , which is 1.6- and 7.3-fold higher than those of the PtSA /CdS and PtNP /CdS photocatalysts, respectively. Thorough characterization and theoretical calculations reveal that the enhanced photocatalytic activity is due to a remarkable synergy between SAs and atomic clusters as dual active sites, which are responsible for water adsorption-dissociation and hydrogen desorption, respectively. A similar synergetic effect is found in a representative Pt/TiO2 system, indicating the generality of the strategy. This study demonstrates the significance of the synergy between active sites for enhancing the reaction efficiency, opening a new avenue for the rational design of atomically dispersed photocatalysts with high efficiency.

Boosting Benzene Oxidation with a Spin-State-Controlled Nuclearity Effect on Iron Sub-Nanocatalysts.

A fundamental understanding of the nature of nuclearity effects is important for the rational design of superior sub-nanocatalysts with low nuclearity, but remains a long-standing challenge. Using atomic layer deposition, we precisely synthesized Fe sub-nanocatalysts with tunable nuclearity (Fe1 -Fe4 ) anchored on N,O-co-doped carbon nanorods (NOC). The electronic properties and spin configuration of the Fe sub-nanocatalysts were nuclearity dependent and dominated the H2 O2 activation modes and adsorption strength of active O species on Fe sites toward C-H oxidation. The Fe1 -NOC single atom catalyst exhibits state-of-the-art activity for benzene oxidation to phenol, which is ascribed to its unique coordination environment (Fe1 N2 O3 ) and medium spin state (t2g 4 eg 1 ); turnover frequencies of 407 h-1 at 25 °C and 1869 h-1 at 60 °C were obtained, which is 3.4, 5.7, and 13.6 times higher than those of Fe dimer, trimer, and tetramer catalysts, respectively.

A highly efficient molecularly imprinted fluorescence sensor for assessing whole wheat grains by the rapid and sensitive detection of alkylresorcinols.

To differentiate whole wheat foods from refined wheat foods is still challenging grain industry and confusing consumers. Alkylresorcinols (ARs), as biomarkers of whole wheat grains, can serve for assessing the authenticity of whole wheat foods. Herein, a highly efficient fluorescence sensing platform (CDs@MIP) for rapid and sensitive analysis of ARs was explored, using carbon dots (CDs) as fluorophores and 5-heneicosylresorcinol (C21:0 AR) as template molecules embedded in a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) coating. Benefiting from the specific cavities in the probe and a photo-induced electron transfer effect, the fluorescence intensity of CDs@MIP was significantly quenched in the presence of C21:0 AR, exhibiting a superior binding efficiency and selectivity. As a result, the fabricated optical sensor delivered a wide linear range of C21:0 AR from 0.015 to 60 µg mL-1 with an ultralow detection limit of 4 ng mL-1. It was noteworthy that the sensor was successfully applied for the rapid detection of C21:0 AR in commercial whole-wheat foods as well as visualization analysis on the test paper, comprehensively validating the practicality and efficacy of CDs@MIP based fluorescence assay. The study provides a rapid and sensitive detection method of C21:0 AR, paving a new way for guiding grain industry to effectively qualify the authenticity and to quantify the content of whole wheat in wheat-based foods.

The Association Between Financial Incentives and Job Performance Among Primary Care Providers in Six Provinces of China.

Objective: This study aims to explore the association between financial incentives and job performance of primary care providers (PCPs) from a nationally representative survey in China. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in six provinces of China in 2019. A sample of 1388 PCPs participated in the survey was selected using a stratified cluster sampling method. A self-administered questionnaire composed of socio-demographic, work-related characteristics, financial incentives received by PCPs and their job performance was used. The association between financial incentives and job performance are analyzed using logistic regression model. The significance level for statistics is set at P < 0.05. Results: The PCPs with higher real income level have lower contextual performance (OR = 0.67, p < 0.01) and learning performance (OR = 0.63, p < 0.01) than those with lower real income level. The PCPs with the expectation of income rising above 50% have lower contextual performance (OR = 0.66, p < 0.05) than those with the expectation of income rising above 20%. The PCPs with preference for monetary income have lower task performance (OR = 0.62, p < 0.01), contextual performance (OR = 0.55, p < 0.01) and learning performance (OR = 0.57, p < 0.01) than those without lower preference for monetary income. The percent of performance-based income has no significant effect on all the three dimensions of job performance. Conclusion: Financial incentive was regarded as the most important motivating factor of PCPs in China, but existing financial incentives received by PCPs could not improve their job performance. The findings can be attributed to the unsatisfying total income level, "intrinsic motivation crowding out" effect, and the poorly designed performance-based salary system for PCPs. Policy attention is called for to continuing efforts and system reform to increase the total income level for PCPs in China, and improve the performance-based salary system to better motivate PCPs and improve their job performance.