[Distribution Characteristics and Source Analysis of Carbonaceous Aerosols Before and After the Spring Festival in the Guanzhong Plain].

The spatio-temporal variation characteristics and potential sources of carbonaceous aerosols in the Guanzhong Plain during the Spring Festival in 2023 were analyzed using inverse distance weighting spatial interpolation （IDW）, secondary organic carbon （SOC） estimation, and potential source contribution factor analysis （PSCF）, with the OC and EC in the PM2.5 of five cities： Xi'an, Baoji, Xianyang, Weinan, and Tongchuan as the research objects. The results showed that in terms of time distribution, ρ（OC） was as follows： after the Spring Festival [（18.6 ±11.0） µg·m-3] > during the Spring Festival [（16.2 ±15.1） µg·m-3] > before the Spring Festival [（10.0 ±8.3） µg·m-3], and ρ（EC） was as follows： after the Spring Festival [（2.2 ±1.2） µg·m-3] > during the Spring Festival [（1.7 ±1.5） µg·m-3] > before the Spring Festival [（1.4 ±1.1） µg·m-3], which indicated that OC and EC concentrations were the most severe after the Spring Festival. In terms of spatial distribution, ρ（OC） was as follows： Xianyang [（21.4 ±17.3） µg·m-3] > Baoji [（15.8 ±12.8） µg·m-3] > Xi'an [（13.6 ±11.3） µg·m-3] > Weinan [（11.6 ±9.1） µg·m-3] > Tongchuan [（10.0 ±8.3） µg·m-3], and ρ（EC） was as follows： Xianyang [（2.1 ±1.4） µg·m-3] > Weinan [（1.8 ±1.4） µg·m-3] > Xi'an [（1.8 ±1.2） µg·m-3] > Tongchuan [（1.6 ±1.4） µg·m-3] > Baoji [（1.2 ±0.9） µg·m-3]. Overall, Xianyang had the most severe PM2.5 and carbon aerosol pollution, whereas Tongchuan had the least pollution. IDW results showed that the high-value center of OC and EC concentration [ρ（OC） > 27.3 µg·m-3, ρ（EC） > 2.9 µg·m-3] was in the middle of the plain, the low-value center of OC and EC concentration [ρ（OC） <7.0 µg·m-3, ρ（EC） < 1.0 µg·m-3] was in the northern plain, and the distribution of OC was higher in the west and lower in the east, whereas the distribution of EC was higher in the east and lower in the west. The proportion of SOC in OC was as follows： after the Spring Festival （51.7%） > during the Spring Festival （41.1%） > before the Spring Festival （36.8%）. The SOC/OC values of each city and the contribution rate of SOC of each city to the Guanzhong Plain indicated that Tongchuan, Baoji, and Xianyang were greatly affected by the secondary conversion of organic carbon. The correlation of OC and EC before, during, and after the Spring Festival （r = 0.85, r = 0.98, and r = 0.94, respectively） indicated a high degree of homology between them. Carbonaceous aerosols had a certain correlation with humidity and wind speed before and during the Spring Festival but had a weak correlation with meteorological factors after the Spring Festival. Carbonaceous aerosols generally were strongly correlated with CO and NO2, and the correlation was strongest after the Spring Festival, whereas the correlation with SO2 was strongest during the Spring Festival. The potential source areas of carbonaceous aerosols in the five cities were mainly concentrated in the local and surrounding areas of southern Gansu, northern Shaanxi, and southern Shaanxi. They were also affected by long-distance transportation from the northwest before the Spring Festival.

[Change Characteristics of Carbonaceous Aerosol in Chengdu from 2018 to 2021].

Carbonaceous aerosol is an important component of atmospheric fine particulates （PM2.5） that has an important effect on global climate change, atmospheric visibility, regional air quality, and human health. In order to investigate the long-term change characteristics of carbonaceous aerosols under the background of emission reduction, the concentrations of organic carbon （OC）, elemental carbon （EC） in PM2.5 samples, and volatile organic compounds （VOCs） in Chengdu from 2018 to 2021 and the corresponding meteorological factors were obtained through real-time online monitoring. The results showed that the average ρ（OC） and ρ（EC） during the monitoring period were （10.9 ±5.7） µg·m-3 and （2.6 ±1.9） µg·m-3, accounting for 25.2% and 6.0% of PM2.5, respectively, and the average ρ（SOC） was （5.7 ±3.3） µg·m-3, accounting for 52.9% of OC. The concentrations of OC, EC, and PM2.5 showed a downward trend from 2018 to 2020 [PM2.5： The concentration of average annual decrease was -7.1 µg·ï¼ˆm3·a） -1, with an average annual decrease of -14.6 %·a-1； OC： -1.7 µg·ï¼ˆm3·a）-1, -14.2 %·a-1； EC： -0.1 µg·ï¼ˆm3·a）-1, -4.4 %·a-1], and the concentrations of each pollutant in 2021 rebounded in different ranges compared with those in 2020. The concentrations of PM2.5 and OC were as follows： winter > spring > autumn > summer, and the concentrations of EC were as follows： winter > autumn > spring > summer. The proportions of OC and EC were higher in summer and autumn than in other seasons, with the average proportions of 26.8% and 6.9%, respectively. With the aggravation of the pollution level, OC, EC, and SOC concentrations gradually increased, but the proportions in PM2.5 showed a gradual downtrend, indicating that the control factor of PM2.5 pollution in Chengdu was not the carbon component. Source apportionment results showed that carbonaceous aerosols in Chengdu were mainly affected by motor vehicles, industrial sources, biomass combustion sources, and VOCs secondary reaction. From 2019 to 2021, EC was affected by the characteristic components of motor vehicles and decreased yearly. OC and EC were affected by VOCs more in spring and autumn than in other seasons. VOCs emission management should be increased in spring and autumn to reduce the impact of secondary reaction.

3D exploration of gene expression in chicken embryos through combined RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization, immunofluorescence, and clearing.

BACKGROUND: Fine characterization of gene expression patterns is crucial to understand many aspects of embryonic development. The chicken embryo is a well-established and valuable animal model for developmental biology. The period spanning from the third to sixth embryonic days (E3 to E6) is critical for many organ developments. Hybridization chain reaction RNA fluorescent in situ hybridization (HCR RNA-FISH) enables multiplex RNA detection in thick samples including embryos of various animal models. However, its use is limited by tissue opacity. RESULTS: We optimized HCR RNA-FISH protocol to efficiently label RNAs in whole mount chicken embryos from E3.5 to E5.5 and adapted it to ethyl cinnamate (ECi) tissue clearing. We show that light sheet imaging of HCR RNA-FISH after ECi clearing allows RNA expression analysis within embryonic tissues with good sensitivity and spatial resolution. Finally, whole mount immunofluorescence can be performed after HCR RNA-FISH enabling as exemplified to assay complex spatial relationships between axons and their environment or to monitor GFP electroporated neurons. CONCLUSIONS: We could extend the use of HCR RNA-FISH to older chick embryos by optimizing HCR RNA-FISH and combining it with tissue clearing and 3D imaging. The integration of immunostaining makes possible to combine gene expression with classical cell markers, to correlate expressions with morphological differentiation and to depict gene expressions in gain or loss of function contexts. Altogether, this combined procedure further extends the potential of HCR RNA-FISH technique for chicken embryology.

[Ecosystem CO2 Exchange and Its Environmental Regulation of a Restored Wetland in the Liaohe River Estuary].

Coastal wetlands are important carbon sinks， and they contribute to reducing the effects of global warming. This study used the eddy covariance method to detect the CO2 flux in the restoration wetland of the Liaohe River estuary in 2021 and investigate the characteristics of ecosystem CO2 exchange and its environmental control factors. The aim was to assess the carbon source/sink capacity of salt marshes in the restored area and to provide data support and theoretical basis for evaluating the effectiveness of ecological restoration projects. The study revealed "U" curves in spring and autumn， "V" curves in summer， and horizontal lines in winter for the average daily variation curve of net ecosystem CO2 exchange （NEE） in the restored area. Its carbon sink efficiencies were -40.06， -63.62， 2.33， and 34.43 g·m-2 in the spring， summer， autumn， and winter， respectively. In the restored area， the daily cumulative variation in NEE was "V" shaped， and the monthly cumulative changes in NEE， ecosystem respiration （Reco）， and gross primary productivity （GPP） were obviously different. Photosynthetically active radiation （PAR） was an important regulation factor of daytime NEE in the restored area in 2021， and they displayed a rectangular hyperbolic relationship. PAR could explain 53% of the variation in the daytime NEE. Air temperature （Ta） was the main control factor of Reco，night， and there was an exponential relationship between them. When Ta < 5.5 ℃， the temperature sensitivity of ecosystem respiration （Q10） was 2.19， and Ta could explain 42% of the variation in the Reco，night； when Ta ≥ 5.5 ℃， the Q10 was 1.81， and Ta could explain 51% of the variation in the Reco，night. Additionally， there were significant linear negative correlations between NEE and both soil water content （SWC） and vapor pressure deficit （VPD）， whereas NEE was not significantly correlated with soil temperature （Ts） or relative humidity （RH）. In 2021， the restored wetland in the Liaohe River estuary acted as a CO2 sink， and the total net carbon sequestration was -66.89 g·m-2. The restored salt plays a role as an important carbon sink and has long-term carbon sequestration potential.

Eclosion muscles secrete ecdysteroids to initiate asymmetric intestinal stem cell division in Drosophila.

During organ development, tissue stem cells first expand via symmetric divisions and then switch to asymmetric divisions to minimize the time to obtain a mature tissue. In the Drosophila midgut, intestinal stem cells switch their divisions from symmetric to asymmetric at midpupal development to produce enteroendocrine cells. However, the signals that initiate this switch are unknown. Here, we identify the signal as ecdysteroids. In the presence of ecdysone, EcR and Usp promote the expression of E93 to suppress Br expression, resulting in asymmetric divisions. Surprisingly, the primary source of pupal ecdysone is not from the prothoracic gland but from dorsal internal oblique muscles (DIOMs), a group of transient skeletal muscles that are required for eclosion. Genetic analysis shows that DIOMs secrete ecdysteroids during mTOR-mediated muscle remodeling. Our findings identify sequential endocrine and mechanical roles for skeletal muscle, which ensure the timely asymmetric divisions of intestinal stem cells.

Advancing higher education and its implication towards sustainable development: Moderate role of green innovation in BRI economies.

Environmental deterioration is one of the major problems the globe is facing in the modern period. On the other hand, several groups around the world have endeavored to launch efforts to protect the planet, such as the Sustainable Development Goals. Therefore, the proposed objectives' primary duty is to strike a balance between development and environmental concerns. This study looked at 65 Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) economies to see how factors, including the economic complexity index, urbanization, ICT, higher education, and green innovation, affected carbon emissions in the presence of sustainable development. Annual time series data from 2000 to 2020 have been used in the analysis. This study employs the CC-EMG to determine the durability of the association between the variables. AMG and quantile GMM regression estimations were used to test the robustness and reproducibility of the results. The results reveal that higher education and green innovation help lower carbon emissions, whereas the economic complexity index and urbanization are beneficial for increasing economic activity and advancing information and communication technologies. The economic complexity index, ICT, and higher education are all negatively impacted by green innovation. Important policy implications of the computed coefficients for the selected and other developing markets in planning a suitable path forward to a sustainable environment are also provided.

Predictive Ability of Comorbidity Indices for Surgical Morbidity and Mortality: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Several contemporary risk stratification tools are now being used since the development of the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) in 1987. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the utility of commonly used co-morbidity indices in predicting surgical outcomes. METHODS: A comprehensive review was performed to identify studies reporting an association between a pre-operative co-morbidity measurement and an outcome (30-day/in-hospital morbidity/mortality, 90-day morbidity/mortality, and severe complications). Meta-analysis was performed on the pooled data. RESULTS: A total of 111 included studies were included with a total cohort size 25,011,834 patients. The studies reporting the 5-item Modified Frailty Index (mFI-5) demonstrated a statistical association with an increase in the odds of in-hospital/30-day mortality (OR:1.97,95%CI: 1.55-2.49, p < 0.01). The pooled CCI results demonstrated an increase in the odds for in-hospital/30-day mortality (OR:1.44,95%CI: 1.27-1.64, p < 0.01). Pooled results for co-morbidity indices utilizing a scale-based continuous predictor were significantly associated with an increase in the odds of in-hospital/30-day morbidity (OR:1.32, 95% CI: 1.20-1.46, p < 0.01). On pooled analysis, the categorical results showed a higher odd for in-hospital/30-day morbidity (OR:1.74,95% CI: 1.50-2.02, p < 0.01). The mFI-5 was significantly associated with severe complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥ III) (OR:3.31,95% CI:1.13-9.67, p < 0.04). Pooled results for CCI showed a positive trend toward severe complications but were not significant. CONCLUSION: The contemporary frailty-based index, mFI-5, outperformed the CCI in predicting short-term mortality and severe complications post-surgically. Risk stratification instruments that include a measure of frailty may be more predictive of surgical outcomes compared to traditional indices like the CCI.

Influence of center surgical aortic valve volume on outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Objective: The utilization of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) technology has exceeded that of traditional surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). In addition, the role of minimum surgical volume requirements for TAVR centers has recently been disputed. The present work evaluated the association of annual institutional SAVR caseload on outcomes following TAVR. Methods: The 2012-2018 Nationwide Readmissions Database was queried for elective TAVR hospitalizations. The study cohort was split into early (Era 1: 2012-2015) and late (Era 2: 2016-2018) groups. Based on restricted cubic spline modeling of annual hospital SAVR caseload, institutions were dichotomized into low-volume and high-volume centers. Multivariable regressions were used to determine the influence of high-volume status on in-hospital mortality and perioperative complications following TAVR. Results: An estimated 181,740 patients underwent TAVR from 2012 to 2018. Nationwide TAVR volume increased from 5893 in 2012 to 49,983 in 2018. After adjustment for relevant patient and hospital factors, high-volume status did not alter odds of TAVR mortality in Era 1 (adjusted odds ratio, 0.94; P = .52) but was associated decreased likelihood of mortality in Era 2 (adjusted odds ratio, 0.83; P = .047). High-volume status did not influence the risk of perioperative complications during Era 1. However, during Era 2, patients at high-volume centers had significantly lower odds of infectious complications, relative to low-volume hospitals (adjusted odds ratio, 0.78; P = .002). Conclusions: SAVR experience is associated with improved TAVR outcomes in a modern cohort. Our findings suggest the need for continued collaboration between cardiologists and surgeons to maximize patient safety.

Functional characterization of putative ecdysone transporters in lepidopteran pests.

The insect steroid hormone ecdysone plays a critical role in insect development. Several recent studies have shown that ecdysone enters cells through Organic Anion Transporting Polypeptides (OATPs) in insects such as flies and mosquitoes. However, the conservation of this mechanism across other arthropods and the role of this transporter in canonical ecdysone pathways are less well studied. Herein we functionally characterized the putative ecdysone importer (EcI) from two major agricultural moth pests: Helicoverpa armigera (cotton bollworm) and Spodoptera frugiperda (fall armyworm). Phylogenetic analysis of OATP transporters across the superphylum Ecdysozoa revealed that EcI likely appeared only at the root of the arthropod lineage. Partial disruption of EcI in S. frugiperda decreased embryo hatching rate and larval survival, suggesting that this gene is essential for development in vivo. Depletion and re-expression of EcI in the lepidoptera cell line RP-HzGUT-AW1(MG) demonstrated this protein's ability to control ecdysone mediated signaling in gene regulation, its role in ecdysone mediated cell death, and its sensitivity to rifampicin, a well-known organic anion transporter inhibitor. Overall, this work sheds light on ecdysone uptake mechanisms across insect species and broadens our knowledge of the physiological roles of OATPs in the transportation of endogenous substrates.

Single-level posterior lumbar fusions in patients with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome not found to be associated with increased postoperative adverse events or five-year reoperations.

Background: Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a rare connective tissue disorder that results from mutations in collagen genes. Potentially related to laxity and resultant degenerative changes, adult EDS patients may require posterior lumbar fusion (PLF). However, with low numbers, adequately powered outcome studies have been limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate risk of complications, readmissions and reoperations in adult patients with EDS following single-level PLF. Methods: A retrospective study using the 2010 to 2020 MSpine Pearldiver dataset was performed. Adult patients undergoing single-level PLF (excluding any with anterior procedures) with and without EDS for which at least 90-day follow up was available were identified. Any cases performed for trauma, tumor, or infection were excluded.Single-level PLF EDS patients were then matched 1:4 with PLF non-EDS patients based on age, sex, and Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (ECI). Rates of ninety-day any, severe, and minor adverse events as well as readmissions were tabulated and compared with chi-square tests. Multivariate logistical regression was then performed (controlling for age, sex, and ECI).Reoperation surgeries over five years were assessed, Kaplan-Meier survival curves generated, and curves of those with and without EDS were compared with log rank test. Results: In total, there were 170,100 single-level PLF case identified, of which 242 (0.14%) had EDS. After matching, there were 957 without EDS and 239 with EDS. On multivariate regression, there were no significant differences in 90-day any, severe, or minor adverse events, or readmissions (p>0.05 for each). Over five years, there were also not significant differences in rates of reoperation (p> 0.05). Conclusions: For EDS patients undergoing PLF, the current study identified similar 90-day adverse events and 5-year reoperation rates compared to those without EDS. These findings may be useful for patient counseling and surgical planning for those with this rare condition.

Model-based prediction of optogenetic sound encoding in the human cochlea by future optical cochlear implants.

When hearing fails, electrical cochlear implants (eCIs) partially restore hearing by direct stimulation of spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs). As light can be better confined in space than electrical current, optical CIs (oCIs) provide more spectral information promising a fundamental improvement of hearing restoration by cochlear implants. Here, we turned to computer modelling for predicting the outcome of optogenetic hearing restoration by future oCIs in humans. We combined three-dimensional reconstruction of the human cochlea with ray-tracing simulation of emission from LED or laser-coupled waveguide emitters of the oCI. Irradiance was read out at the somata of SGNs. The irradiance values reached with waveguides were about 14 times higher than with LEDs, at the same radiant flux of the emitter. Moreover, waveguides outperformed LEDs regarding spectral selectivity. oCIs with either emitter type showed greater spectral selectivity when compared to eCI. In addition, modeling the effects of the source-to-SGN distance, orientation of the sources and impact of scar tissue further informs the development of optogenetic hearing restoration.

Four-level anterior versus posterior cervical fusions: Perioperative outcomes and five-year reoperation rates: Outcomes after four-level anterior versus posterior cervical procedures.

Background: Multilevel cervical pathology can often be addressed via anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) or posterior cervical fusion (PCF). While posterior procedures may be technically easier for four-level pathology, there are advantages and disadvantages to both approaches that make it of interest to compare outcomes. The purpose was to compare perioperative adverse events and long-term cervical reoperation rates of four-level ACDF and PCF. Methods: The 2010 to Q1 2020 PearlDiver MSpine database was queried. Patients undergoing isolated elective four-level ACDF or PCF were identified (excluding cases performed for trauma, neoplasm, and/or infections) and 1:1 matched based on age, sex, and comorbidities. Ninety-day adverse events were compared with univariate and multivariate analyses. Five-year incidences of subsequent cervical reoperations were also compared. Results: A total of 3,714 patients 1:1 matched for four-level ACDF and PCF performed for degenerative pathologies were identified (1,857 for each of the study groups). On multivariate analysis controlling for age, sex, and comorbidities, PCF was found to have significantly greater odds ratios (OR) for any (OR 2.12), serious (OR 2.31), and minor (OR 1.95) adverse events, as well as for length of stay ≥3 days (OR 1.76), p<0.001 for each. However, PCF had nearly three times lower odds of dysphagia compared to ACDF (OR 0.36, p<0.001). At five years, four-level ACDF cases were found to have significantly higher reoperation rates compared to four-level PCF cases (26.3% vs 18.3%, p<0.001). Conclusion: In evaluating four-level cervical cases, compared to anterior approach cases, posterior approach procedures were associated with approximately double the odds of any, serious, and minor adverse events, but around one third the rate of dysphagia and two thirds the rate of five-year reoperations. While the pathology may dictate surgical approach, this data suggests that the choice between four-level anterior versus posterior approach becomes a balance of risks/benefit considerations.

What drives the export-related carbon intensity changes in China? Empirical analyses from temporal-spatial-industrial perspectives.

This study aims to explore the driving determinants on the export-related carbon intensity (ECI) of China, to better understand the impact of international trade on climate change governance and facilitate China's carbon intensity mitigation goals. First, China's ECI evolution and its gaps with the USA and India are measured during 2002-2014. Then, the main drivers of China's ECIvert study further discusses the influencing factors of ECI in the manufacturing industry using the environmental-extended STIRPAT model and GMM method. The results show that (1) China's overall ECI increases from 1.50 Kg/US$ in 2002 to 1.92 Kg/US$ in 2005 and then decreases to 1.27 Kg/US$ in 2014. The ECI of the manufacturing industry is significantly higher than that of the agriculture and service industry. China's ECI gap with the USA is greater than that with India, and both show a downward trend. (2) Carbon emission coefficient is the domain factor to reduce China's ECI during 2002-2014; the effects of the value-added coefficient, input-output structure, and final demand are limited. The input structure dominantly expands China's ECI gaps both with the USA and India, followed by the value-added coefficient. The carbon emission coefficient enlarges the ECI gap with the USA while reduces that with India. (3) Industrial productivity and value-added rate are negatively correlated with ECI in the manufacturing industry, while per capita capital stock plays the opposite role. The positive correlation between energy intensity and CIE becomes significant after distinguishing technology heterogeneity. In contrast to the non-tech-intensive manufacturing industry, the increase of backward GVCs participation of tech-intensive ones will reduce the ECI. The threshold effect of backward GVCs participation exists in the whole manufacturing industry. Targeted ECI reduction policy implications are suggested.

The lag effect of exposure to PM2.5 on esophageal cancer in urban-rural areas across China.

Exposure to PM2.5 pollution is a significant health concern and increases risks for cancers in China. However, the studies regarding the effect of PM2.5 and esophageal cancer incidence (ECI) among urban-rural areas are limited. In this study, we examined the sex- and area-specific association between exposure to PM2.5 and ECI, as well as explored the corresponding lag effects on ECI using a geographical weighted Poisson regression. We found significantly positive effect on ECI for males and females in different models, with the greatest increase of 1.44% (95% CI: 1.30%, 1.59%) and 2.42% (95% CI: 2.17%, 2.66%) in per 10 ug/m3 increase of PM2.5 for males and females at single year lag7 and lag4 after all covariates controlled, respectively. We also found that the long-term effect of PM2.5 on ECI was relatively stable at all moving average year lags. Moreover, rural areas had higher ECI risks for males (0.17%) and females (0.64%) with longer lag period than urban areas. In addition, higher risks for both sexes appeared in north, northwestern, and east China. The findings indicated that long-term exposure to PM2.5 was significantly associated with increased risks for ECI, which reinforce a comprehensive understanding for ECI related to PM2.5.

Toxicity of Bioactive Molecule Andrographolide against Spodoptera litura Fab and Its Binding Potential with Detoxifying Enzyme Cytochrome P450.

Spodoptera litura Fab. is a polyphagous pest causing damage to many agriculture crops leading to yield loss. Recurrent usage of synthetic pesticides to control this pest has resulted in resistance development. Plant-derived diterpenoid compound andrographolide was isolated from the leaves of Andrographis paniculata. It was analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy and quantified by HPLC. Nutritional indices and digestive enzymatic profile were evaluated. Third, fourth and fifth instar larvae were treated with different concentrations of andrographolide. At 3, 6 and 9 ppm-treated concentrations the larvae showed decreased RGR, RCR, ECI, ECD values with adverse increase in AD. The digestive enzymes were significantly inhibited when compared with control. Conspicuously, andrographolide showed pronounced mortality of S. litura by inhibition of enzyme secretion and intake of food. The binding ability of andrographolide with CYTP450 showed high affinity with low binding energy. Andrographolide has the potential to be exploited as a biocontrol agent against S. litura as an eco-friendly pesticide.

Outcomes and predictors of readmission after implantation of a percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion device in the United States: A propensity score-matched analysis from The National Readmission Database.

BACKGROUND: Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) devices have become a favorable alternative option among nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with long-term contraindication to anticoagulation. Real-world experience with postprocedural readmission rates and predictors of readmission in LAAO patients is limited. OBJECTIVE: To assess all-cause 30-day readmission rate and predictors of readmission after LAAO procedure in the United States. METHOD: This retrospective observational study included all AF patients undergoing percutaneous LAAO procedures in the United States from January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2017, in the National Readmission Database. The primary outcome measure was all-cause 30-day readmission. A propensity score-matched analysis compared outcomes with a non-LAAO AF cohort. RESULT: Among 14 024 LAAO procedures (age: 76 ± 8 years; 60.5% males), 9.4% were readmitted within 30-days and, 0.2% died during their index hospitalization. The most frequent primary diagnosis during readmission among LAAO was gastrointestinal bleeding (12%). The incidence of LAAO procedures increased by 102%. In the multivariate model, gender and CHA2 DS2 -VASc failed to predict readmission. Age 55-64 years had lower odds (adjusted odds ratios [aOR]: 0.41; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.18-0.94), while drug abuse (aOR: 4.1; 95% CI: 1.34-12.54), and deficiency anemia (aOR: 1.88; 95% CI: 1.12-3.18) had higher odds of readmission. In propensity-matched cohort, compared to non-LAAO AF, LAAO patients had lower 30-day readmission (9.4% vs. 10.98%, p = .002) and all-cause in-hospital mortality (0.19% vs. 0.57%, p < .001). CONCLUSION: The readmission rate following the LAAO procedure is substantial (approximately 10%), and largely attributable to gastrointestinal bleeding. Factors such as drug abuse and anemia must be explored further to minimize readmission risk.

Analytical platforms Vitros ECi 3600 and Cobas 6000: comparative analysis of prolactin measurement.

Prolactin is a polypeptide hormone secreted by the lactotrophic cells of the anterior pituitary gland and has a wide range of biological effects in the human body. Accurate measurements of prolactin concentration are essential in obtaining biochemical data to support clinical decisions in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases of the pituitary gland, reproductive, immune and other body systems. The aim of our study is to carry out a comparative analysis of the serum prolactin measurement determined by the two analytical platforms Vitros ECi 3600 (Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics) and Cobas 6000 (Roche). Serum samples from 664 patients undergoing examination at the Endocrinology Research Center were included in the study. Comparative analysis of serum prolactin measurement showed that results obtained by the two analytical systems are consistent with each other (r = 0.89, p<0,05). Clinically accuracy of prolactin measurement and to a large extent using the same method is of particular importance in primary diagnosis, treatment and long-term follow-up of the patient.

Eye movements in real and simulated driving and navigation control - Foreword to the Special Issue.

The control of technological systems by human operators has been the object of study for many decades. The increasing complexity in the digital age has made the optimization of the interaction between system and human operator particularly necessary. In the present thematic issue, ten exemplary articles are presented, ranging from observational field studies to experimental work in highly complex navigation simulators. For the human operator, the processes of attention play a crucial role, which are captured in the contributions listed in this thematic issue by eye-tracking devices. For many decades, eye tracking during car driving has been investigated extensively (e.g. 6; 5). In the present special issue, Cvahte Ojstersek & Topolsek (4) provide a literature review and scientometric analysis of 139 eye-tracking studies investigating driver distraction. For future studies, the authors recommend a wider variety of distractor stimuli, a larger number of tested participants, and an increasing interdisciplinarity of researchers. In addition to most studies investigating bottom-up processes of covered attention, Tuhkanen, Pekkanen, Lehtonen & Lappi (10) include the experimental control of top-down processes of overt attention in an active visuomotor steering task. The results indicate a bottom-up process of biasing the optic flow of the stimulus input in interaction with the top-down saccade planning induced by the steering task. An expanding area of technological development involves autonomous driving where actions of the human operator directly interact with the programmed reactions of the vehicle. Autonomous driving requires, however, a broader exploration of the entire visual input and less gaze directed towards the road centre. Schnebelen, Charron & Mars (9) conducted experimental research in this area and concluded that gaze dynamics played the most important role in distinguishing between manual and automated driving. Through a combination of advanced gaze tracking systems with the latest vehicle environment sensors, Bickerdt, Wendland, Geisler, Sonnenberg & Kasneci (2021) conducted a study with 50 participants in a driving simulator and propose a novel way to determine perceptual limits which are applicable to realistic driving scenarios. Eye-Computer-Interaction (ECI) is an interactive method of directly controlling a technological device by means of ocular parameters. In this context, Niu, Gao, Xue, Zhang & Yang (8) conducted two experiments to explore the optimum target size and gaze-triggering dwell time in ECI. Their results have an exemplary application value for future interface design. Aircraft training and pilot selection is commonly performed on simulators. This makes it possible to study human capabilities and their limitation in interaction with the simulated technological system. Based on their methodological developments and experimental results, Vlacic, Knezevic, Mandal, Rodenkov & Vitsas (11) propose a network approach with three target measures describing the individual saccade strategy of the participants in this study. In their analysis of the cognitive load of pilots, Babu, Jeevitha Shree, Prabhakar, Saluja, Pashilkar & Biswas (3) investigated the ocular parameters of 14 pilots in a simulator and during test flights in an aircraft during air to ground attack training. Their results showed that ocular parameters are significantly different in different flying conditions and significantly correlate with altitude gradients during air to ground dive training tasks. In maritime training the use of simulations is per international regulations mandatory. Mao, Hildre & Zhang (7) performed a study of crane lifting and compared novice and expert operators. Similarities and dissimilarities of eye behavior between novice and expert are outlined and discussed. The study of Atik & Arslan (2) involves capturing and analyzing eye movement data of ship officers with sea experience in simulation exercises for assessing competency. Significant differences were found between electronic navigation competencies of expert and novice ship officers. The authors demonstrate that the eye tracking technology is a valuable tool for the assessment of electronic navigation competency. The focus of the study by Atik (1) is the assessment and training of situational awareness of ship officers in naval Bridge Resource Management. The study shows that eye tracking provides the assessor with important novel data in simulator based maritime training, such as focus of attention, which is a decisive factor for the effectiveness of Bridge Resource Management training. The research presented in the different articles of this special thematic issue cover many different areas of application and involve specialists from different fields, but they converge on repeated demonstrations of the usefulness of measuring attentional processes by eye movements or using gaze parameters for controlling complex technological devices. Together, they share the common goal of improving the potential and safety of technology in the digital age by fitting it to human capabilities and limitations.

Emotion context insensitivity in depression: Toward an integrated and contextualized approach.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is characterized by pervasive mood disturbance as well as deficits in emotional processing, reactivity, and regulation. There is accumulating evidence that MDD is characterized by emotional patterns consistent with environmental disengagement, as reflected in attenuated positive and negative emotional reactivity, consistent with Emotion Context Insensitivity (ECI) theory. However, MDD individuals vary considerably in the extent to which they exhibit specific alterations in patterns of emotional responding. Emotions are complex, multicomponent processes that invoke responses across multiple functional domains and levels of analysis, including subjective experience, behavior, autonomic regulation, cognition, and neural processing. In this article, I review the current state of the literature on emotional responding and MDD from the lens of ECI. I focus on the importance of assessing emotional indices from multiple levels of analysis across development and contexts. I also discuss methodological and measurement issues that may contribute to inconsistent findings. In particular, I emphasize how psychophysiological measures can help elucidate emotional processes that underlie the pathophysiology of MDD as part of an integrated and contextualized approach.

Towards the formulation of rural sewage discharge standards in China.

In China, most rural areas lack specific sewage discharge standards. Even though China governments proposed a series of local standards, the most of the existing China's rural sewage discharge standards are still similar to urban discharge standards. This research analyses comprehensively the data of rural sewage discharge standards in the 31 provinces and cities in China in terms of grade and indicator, and forms a structural framework for the formulation and revised standards in rural areas of China. In the formulation, we use 2 components, end-use and environmental capacity, to reflect local characteristics of the grades and indicators, and also propose the methods of combining discharge standards with relevant water quality standards to save energy. And we also use the mathematical model to illustrate environmental capacity in different regions. The paper shows the great potential in guiding the design of discharge standards formulation and revision for rural wastewater treatment in China and other developing countries as well.