The role of ferroptosis resistance in lymph-associated tumour metastasis.

Tumour metastasis is a crucial factor in determining clinically challenging tumours. In this respect, the lymphatic system may act as potential entry portals for tumour metastasis, whilst, clinical detection of tumour-infiltrated lymph nodes also indicates poorer prognosis and higher metastatic risk. Whether tumour cells gain ferroptosis resistance in lymph that make them exhibit a stronger propensity for lymphatic dissemination compared to hematogenous spread might be a breakthrough for elucidating lymph-associated tumour metastasis. This review discusses how the lymphatic system endows tumour cells with ferroptosis resistance character, which makes them more propensity for lymph node pre-metastasis and distant metastasis through lymphatic circulation. Comprehensively considering the distinct structure and property of lymph and the unique metabolic characteristics of tumours, all of the lymphatic vessels, intestinal lymph and lymph nodes collectively manipulate an intricate interaction with the hematogenous system and afford substances exchange with tumour cells and extracellular vesicles, upon which make a ferroptosis resistant microenvironment for subsequent metastasis in distant organs and lymph nodes.

Precise Immobilization Strategy Combined with Rational Design to Improve ß-Agarase Stability.

Recently, the orientational immobilization of enzymes has attracted extensive attention. In this study, we report the development of a strategy combined with rational design to achieve precise site-specific covalent immobilization of ß-agarase. We first rationally screened six surface sites that can be mutated to cysteine by combining molecular dynamics simulation and energy calculation. Site-specific immobilization was successfully achieved by Michael addition reaction of mutant enzymes and maleimide-modified magnetic nanoparticles (MAL-MNPs). The enzyme activity retention rate of R66C-MAL-MNPs and K588C-MAL-MNPs was greater than 96%. The thermal deactivation kinetics study revealed that the site-specific immobilization strategy significantly improved the thermal stability of Aga50D, resulting in a substantial increase in its antidenaturation activity at elevated temperatures, and the highest t1/2 of the immobilized mutant enzymes was increased by an impressive 21.25-fold at 40 °C. The immobilized mutant enzymes also showed significantly enhanced tolerance to metal ions and organic reagents. For instance, all of the immobilized enzymes maintained over 90% of their enzymatic activity in the 50% (v/v) acetone/water solution. The present work may pave the way for the design of precisely immobilized enzymes, which can help promote green manufacturing.

Circulating T-lymphocyte subsets as promising biomarkers for the identification of sepsis-induced acute kidney injury.

BACKGROUND: This retrospective study investigated whether disturbances in circulating T-lymphocyte subsets could predict the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) and in-hospital mortality in patients with sepsis. METHODS: Clinical data from patients with sepsis admitted to the intensive care unit were reviewed. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent predictors of in-hospital mortality and the development of AKI. RESULTS: Of 81 patients with sepsis, 50 developed AKI. Both non-survivors and patients with septic AKI exhibited dramatically higher Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II scores. Non-survivors exhibited more organ damage, with significantly lower levels of peripheral T-lymphocyte subsets, including total circulating lymphocytes, and CD3+, CD3+CD4+, and CD3+CD8+ T-lymphocytes. Patients with septic AKI exhibited fewer total peripheral lymphocytes and fewer CD3+, CD3+CD4+, and CD3+CD8+ T-lymphocytes, with higher serum lactate levels and lower nadir platelet counts. Independent predictors of 30-day hospital mortality included maximum SOFA and APACHE II scores, occurrence of encephalopathy, and peripheral CD3+ and CD3+CD8+ T lymphocyte counts. Moreover, the maximum SOFA score and CD3+ and CD3+CD8+ T-lymphocyte counts demonstrated good predictive power for AKI in receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analyses, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.810 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.712-0.908) for SOFA score, 0.849 (95% CI 0.764-0.934) for CD3+ T-lymphocytes, and 0.856 (95% CI 0.772-0.941) for CD3+CD8+ T-lymphocytes. CONCLUSION: Patients with sepsis-induced AKI experienced T lymphopenia and increased in-hospital mortality. Higher maximum SOFA scores and reduced peripheral CD3+ and CD3+CD8+ T-lymphocyte levels were associated with in-hospital mortality and the development of AKI in patients with sepsis.

Atomic Manipulation to Create High-Valent Fe4+ for Efficient and Ultrastable Oxygen Evolution at Industrial-Level Current Density.

Manipulating the electronic structure of a catalyst at the atomic level is an effective but challenging way to improve the catalytic performance. Here, by stretching the Fe-O bond in FeOOH with an inserted Mo atom, a Fe-O-Mo unit can be created, which will induce the formation of high-valent Fe4+ during the alkaline oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The highly active Fe4+ state has been clearly revealed by in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy, which can both enhance the oxidation capability and lead to an efficient and stable adsorbate evolution mechanism (AEM) pathway for the OER. As a result, the obtained Fe-Mo-Ni3S2 catalyst exhibits both superior OER activity and outstanding stability, which can achieve an industrial-level current density of 1 A cm-2 at a low overpotential of 259 mV (at 60 °C) and can stably work at the large current for more than 2000 h. Moreover, by coupling with commercial Pt/C, the Fe-Mo-Ni3S2∥Pt/C system can be used in the anion exchange membrane cell to acquire 1 A cm-2 for overall water splitting at 1.68 V (2.03 V for 4 A cm-2), outperforming the benchmark RuO2∥Pt/C system. The efficient, low-cost, and ultrastable OER catalyst enabled by manipulating the atomic structure may provide potential opportunities for future practical water splitting.

Serum and Fecal Metabolite Profiles Linking With Gut Microbiome in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Patients.

Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer characterized by poor prognosis due to the absence of effective targeted therapies. Emerging evidence indicates that the gut microbiota and its metabolites play a key role in the occurrence and development of TNBC. This study aimed to explore the metabolic changes and potential mechanisms associated with TNBC. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the potential relationship between targeted metabolites and the gut microbiota in TNBC. Design: We recruited 8 participants, including 4 with TNBC and 4 with benign fibroadenomas as controls. Methods: The gut microbiota was analyzed using metagenomics on fecal samples. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was employed to identify differential metabolites in serum and fecal samples. The correlation between the gut microbiota and metabolites was analyzed using Spearman's correlation analysis. Results: Analysis of altered serum metabolites in the TNBC group revealed changes, particularly in carboxylic acids and derivatives, benzene, and substituted derivatives. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) metabolic pathway analysis revealed significant enrichment in 18 pathways. Regarding fecal metabolites, differences between the 2 groups also included carboxylic acids and derivatives, benzene, and substituted derivatives, with 28 metabolic pathways enriched based on KEGG pathway analysis. Metagenomics analysis showed differences in the relative abundance of Anaerococcus, Fischerella, and Schizosaccharomyces at the genus level, which have been previously associated with breast cancer. Furthermore, 4 serum metabolites-L-glutamine, citrate, creatinine, and creatine-along with 9 fecal metabolites, were associated with the aforementioned microbiota. Conclusion: Our findings highlight distinct metabolite profiles in the serum and feces of patients with TNBC. The identification of gut microbiota and their associated metabolites provides new insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying TNBC.

Two-Dimensional MoSi2N4 Family: Progress and Perspectives Form Theory.

Recently, a new two-dimensional (2D) layered MoSi2N4 has been successfully synthesized by chemical vapor deposition without knowing the 3D counterparts [ Science 2020, 369, 670-674]. The unique septuple-atomic-layer structure and diverse composition of MoSi2N4 have drawn tremendous interest in studying 2D MA2Z4 systems based on the MoSi2N4 structure. As an emerging family of 2D materials, MA2Z4 materials exhibit a wide range of properties and excellent tunability, making them highly promising for various applications. Herein, we summarize recent significant progress in property characterization of the MA2Z4 family. The electronic, magnetic, thermal transport, and superconducting properties, including their tunability through strain engineering and elemental substitution, are presented and elaborated in detail. Further perspectives and new opportunities of the emerging MA2Z4 family are presented at the end of this Perspective.

Novel combined pharmacological strategy to alleviate acute phase response following zoledronic acid treatment.

Brief rationale: Zoledronic acid treatment against osteoporosis is limited by APR. Main result: Combination therapy (hydrocortisone plus non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, acetaminophen, and prednisolone) reduced intolerable APR levels and provided complete symptom relief in most patients. Significance of the paper: Combination therapy can enhance patient outcomes in osteoporosis management. PURPOSE: Osteoporosis is a common condition associated with high morbidity rates, often requiring treatment with bisphosphonates such as zoledronic acid. However, the persistence to zoledronic acid infusion is commonly limited by acute phase response (APR). This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a novel combination therapy in preventing APR symptoms. METHODS: A retrospective case-control study was conducted on 931 patients who received their first zoledronic acid infusion between 2011 and 2021. We evaluated the efficacy of combination therapy comprising a single dose of hydrocortisone prior to the infusion and a 3-d oral regimen of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, acetaminophen, and prednisolone following the infusion. Patients were divided into protocol (receiving combination therapy) and control groups (without treatment). Baseline characteristics, APR incidence, and the efficacy of symptom control were compared between groups using Fisher's exact test and Student's t-test. RESULTS: There was no difference in APR incidence between the protocol (n = 507) and control group (n = 407; p = 0.1442). However, the protocol group exhibited lower intolerable APR levels (3.72% vs. 16.71%; p < 0.0001) and complete symptom relief in 96.28% of cases. CONCLUSION: The combination therapy protocol effectively reduced intolerable APR and relieved symptoms in most patients following zoledronic acid infusion. This study highlights the importance of proactive management strategies for APR and emphasizes the potential of combination therapy in alleviating APR symptoms and reducing the occurrence of severe APR in patients undergoing osteoporosis management.

Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis with Mini-Open Technique and Supraclavicular Nerve Preservation Reduces Postoperative Numbness in Acute Displaced Midshaft Clavicle Fracture.

Background: Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) for clavicular shaft fracture yields favorable functional outcomes and results in less surgery-related soft tissue injury than other techniques. Anterior chest and shoulder skin numbness, a common complication after open reduction and plate fixation, is related to injury to the supraclavicular nerves. We propose MIPO combined with a mini-open approach without fluoroscopy for nerve preservation to minimize the risk of postoperative numbness compared with traditional open plating without nerve preservation. Methods: A total of 59 patients were retrospectively identified, with a follow-up period of 6 months. Thirty-two patients underwent MIPO with mini-open and nerve preservation technique (MIPO group), and 27 patients underwent traditional open plating without nerve preservation (open group). Constant-Murley shoulder outcome score, operation time, wound length, skin numbness, and number of implant removals were compared between the groups. Results: The MIPO group had significantly lower rates of anterior chest and shoulder skin numbness than the open group (MIPO: 12.5% vs. open: 55.6%; p < 0.001). Operation time was significantly longer in the MIPO group than in the open group (MIPO: 109.38 ± 18.83 vs. open: 81.48 ± 18.85; p < 0.001). Wound length was significantly shorter in the MIPO group than in the open group (MIPO: 4.73 ± 0.79 vs. open: 9.76 ± 1.64; p < 0.001). Both groups had similarly excellent Constant-Murley shoulder scores. There were significantly fewer implant removals in the MIPO group than in the open group (MIPO: 6.3% vs. open: 25.9%; p = 0.036). Neither group experienced any infection, implant failure, or nonunion. Conclusions: Our technique combining MIPO with the mini-open approach and supraclavicular nerve preservation yields a lower incidence of skin numbness than traditional open plating without nerve preservation.

Multi-Agent DRL for Air-to-Ground Communication Planning in UAV-Enabled IoT Networks.

In this paper, we present a novel method to enhance the sum-rate effectiveness in full-duplex unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-assisted communication networks. Existing approaches often couple uplink and downlink associations, resulting in suboptimal performance, particularly in dynamic environments where user demands and network conditions are unpredictable. To overcome these limitations, we propose a decoupling of uplink and downlink associations for ground-based users (GBUs), significantly improving network efficiency. We formulate a comprehensive optimization problem that integrates UAV trajectory design and user association, aiming to maximize the overall sum-rate efficiency of the network. Due to the problem's non-convexity, we reformulate it as a Partially Observable Markov Decision Process (POMDP), enabling UAVs to make real-time decisions based on local observations without requiring complete global information. Our framework employs multi-agent deep reinforcement learning (MADRL), specifically the Multi-Agent Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (MADDPG) algorithm, which balances centralized training with distributed execution. This allows UAVs to efficiently learn optimal user associations and trajectory controls while dynamically adapting to local conditions. The proposed solution is particularly suited for critical applications such as disaster response and search and rescue missions, highlighting the practical significance of utilizing UAVs for rapid network deployment in emergencies. By addressing the limitations of existing centralized and distributed solutions, our hybrid model combines the benefits of centralized training with the adaptability of distributed inference, ensuring optimal UAV operations in real-time scenarios.

Suramin enhances proliferation, migration, and tendon gene expression of human supraspinatus tenocytes.

Rotator cuff tendinopathy is a common musculoskeletal disorder with limited pharmacological treatment strategies. This study aimed to investigate tenocytes' functional in vitro response from a ruptured supraspinatus tendon to suramin administration and to elucidate whether suramin can enhance tendon repair and modulate the inflammatory response to injury. Tenocytes were obtained from human supraspinatus tendons (n = 6). We investigated the effect of suramin on LPS-induced inflammatory responses and the underlying molecular mechanisms in THP-1 macrophages. Suramin enhanced the proliferation, cell viability, and migration of tenocytes. It also increased the protein expression of PCNA and Ki-67. Suramin-treated tenocytes exhibited increased expression of COL1A1, COL3A1, TNC, SCX, and VEGF. Suramin significantly reduced LPS-induced iNOS, COX2 synthesis, inflammatory cytokine TNF-α production, and inflammatory signaling by influencing the NF-κB pathways in THP-1 cells. Our results suggest that suramin holds great promise as a therapeutic option for treating rotator cuff tendinopathy.

Global birth prevalence of Pompe disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Pompe disease, also known as Glycogen storage disease type II, is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by defects in alpha-glucosidase, resulting in abnormal glycogen accumulation. METHODS: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of birth prevalence of Pompe disease, the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for original research articles on the epidemiology of Pompe disease from inception until July 01, 2024. Meta-analysis was performed to estimate global birth prevalence of Pompe disease. The funnel plot was used to describe potential publication bias. RESULTS: Twenty-two studies, screened out of 945 records, were included for data extraction. Studies that fulfilled inclusion criteria involved 15 areas/countries. Global birth prevalence of Pompe disease was 2.0 cases (95% CI: 1.5-2.4) per 100,000 live births. Global birth prevalence of infantile-onset Pompe disease was 1.0 cases (95% CI: 0.5-1.5) per 100,000 live births. Global birth prevalence of late-onset Pompe disease was 2.4 cases (95% CI: 1.8-3.0) per 100,000 live births. The main limitations are that no study was assessed as high-quality and approximately half of the studies were from Europe. CONCLUSIONS: Quantitative data on the global epidemiology of Pompe disease could be the fundamental to evaluate the global efforts on building a better world for Pompe disease patients.

Early prediction of acute pancreatitis with acute kidney injury using abdominal contrast-enhanced CT features.

Early prediction of acute pancreatitis (AP) with acute kidney injury (AKI) using abdominal contrast-enhanced CT could effectively reduce the mortality and the economic burden on patients and society. However, this challenge is limited by the imaging manifestations of early-stage AP that are not clearly visible to the naked eye. To address this, we developed a machine learning model using imperceptible variations in the structural changes of pancreas and peripancreatic region, extracted by radiomics and artificial intelligence technology, to screen and stratify the high-risk AP patients at the early stage of AP. The results demonstrate that the machine learning model could screen the high-risk AP with AKI patients with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.82 for the external cohort, superior to the human radiologists. This finding confirms the significant potential of machine learning in the screening of acute pancreatitis and contributes to personalized treatment and management for AP patients.

Abdominal compartment syndrome during intraoperative hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy following debulking surgery for colorectal cancer: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Colorectal cancer leads to peritoneal metastasis in 8-15 % of cases and necessitates treatments, such as hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). However, HIPEC may result in perioperative complications, some often overlooked, such as abdominal compartment syndrome. CASE PRESENTATION: A 52-year-old female with colorectal cancer and peritoneal metastasis underwent debulking surgery followed by HIPEC. During HIPEC, a sudden increase in airway pressure and severe hypotension were noted. Pneumothorax with abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) was suspected and HIPEC was terminated. Despite intravenous fluids and vasopressors, she experienced circulatory and respiratory collapse. Laparotomy sutures were promptly removed, which effectively alleviated the intra-abdominal hypertension and immediately restored the vital signs. An inadequately repaired diaphragm defect was identified and repaired. A chest tube was inserted for pleural effusion. DISCUSSION: ACS is characterized by an increase in abdominal cavity pressure above 20 mmHg, leading to end-organ damage. It can mimic physiological effects of HIPEC and result in adverse outcomes. Early detection of ACS is essential, especially when complicated by pneumothorax from diaphragmatic tumor dissection. The closed technique for HIPEC, while efficient, can increase the risk of ACS and requires careful management. CONCLUSIONS: This case underscores the complexity of HIPEC and the importance of promptly identifying and managing ACS during the procedure. Monitoring intra-abdominal pressure during HIPEC is essential. Thoroughly check for iatrogenic injuries, including the diaphragm, is crucial before starting before HIPEC.

Detection of Low Resilience Using Data-Driven Effective Connectivity Measures.

Conventional thresholding techniques for graph theory analysis, such as absolute, proportional and mean degree, have often been used in characterizing human brain networks under different mental disorders, such as mental stress. However, these approaches may not always be reliable as conventional thresholding approaches are subjected to human biases. Using a mental resilience study, we investigate if data-driven thresholding techniques such as Global Cost Efficiency (GCE-abs) and Orthogonal Minimum Spanning Trees (OMSTs) could provide equivalent results, whilst eliminating human biases. We implemented Phase Slope Index (PSI) to compute effective brain connectivity, and applied data-driven thresholding approaches to filter the brain networks in order to identify key features of low resilience within a cohort of healthy individuals. Our dataset encompassed resting-state EEG recordings gathered from a total of 36 participants (31 females and 5 males). Relevant features were extracted to train and validate a classifier model (Support Vector Machine, SVM). The detection of low stress resilience among healthy individuals using the SVM model scores an accuracy of 80.6% with GCE-abs, and 75% with OMSTs, respectively.

Effect of lyophilized exosomes derived from umbilical cord stem cells on chronic anterior cruciate ligament cell injury.

BACKGROUND: Facilitating the healing process of injured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tissue is crucial for patients to safely return to sports. Stem cell derived exosomes have shown positive effects on enhancing the regeneration of injured tendons/ligaments. However, clinical application of exosomes in terms of storage and pre-assembly is challenging. We hypothesized that lyophilized exosomes derived from human umbilical cord stem cells (hUSC-EX) could enhance the cell activity of chronically injured ACL cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We harvested the 8 weeks injured ACL cells from rabbit under IACUC (No. 110232) approval. The studied exosomes were purified from the culture medium of human umbilical cord stem cells (IRB approval No. A202205014), lyophilized to store, and hydrated for use. We compared exosome treated cells with non-exosome treated cells (control group) from the same rabbits. We examined the cell viability, proliferation, migration capability and gene expression of type I and III collagen, TGFß, VEGF, and tenogenesis in the 8 weeks injured ACL cells after hUSC-EX treatment. RESULTS: After hydration, the average size of hUSC-EX was 84.5 ± 70.6 nm, and the cells tested positive for the Alix, TSG101, CD9, CD63, and CD81 proteins but negative for the α-Tubulin protein. After 24 h of treatment, hUSC-EX significantly improved the cell viability, proliferation and migration capability of 8 weeks injured ACL cells compared to that of no exosome treatment group. In addition, the expression of collagen synthesis, TGFß, VEGF, and tenogenesis gene were all significantly increased in the 8 weeks injured ACL cells after 24 h hUSC-EX delivery. DISCUSSION: Lyophilized exosomes are easily stored and readily usable after hydration, thereby preserving their characteristic properties. Treatment with lyophilized hUSC-EX improved the activity and gene expression of 8 weeks injured ACL cells. CONCLUSION: Lyophilized hUSC-EX preserve the characteristics of exosomes and can improve chronically injured (8 weeks) ACL cells. Lyophilized hUSC-EX could serve as effective and safe biomaterials that are ready to use at room temperature to enhance cell activity in patients with partial ACL tears and after remnant preservation ACL reconstruction.

The Association between the Severity of Distal Sensorimotor Polyneuropathy and Increased Carotid Atherosclerosis in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes contributes to a spectrum of complications encompassing microvascular and macrovascular disorders. This study aimed to explore the correlation between distal sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSPN) severity and heightened carotid atherosclerosis among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Method: Participants underwent comprehensive assessments including nerve conduction studies (NCS), Toronto Clinical Neuropathy Score (TCNS) evaluations, assessment of cardiometabolic risk factors, and carotid sonography studies covering dynamic and morphological parameters. The resistance index (RI), pulsatility index (PI), peak systolic velocity (PSV), and end-diastolic velocity (EDV) in both the common carotid artery (CCA) and internal carotid artery (ICA), carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), and carotid plaque score (CPS) were also measured. Peripheral nerve function severity was assessed using composite amplitude scores (CAS) derived from NCS. RESULTS: Individuals with DSPN exhibited lower EDV in the CCA and ICA (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.002), higher PI and RI in both CCA and ICA (all p < 0.0001), and higher CPS (p = 0.002). They also demonstrated a higher prevalence of retinopathy as an underlying condition, higher index HbA1c, and reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (all p < 0.0001). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed significant associations where eGFR, ICA-PI, index HbA1c, waist circumference, and age were correlated with CAS. Meanwhile, diabetes duration, waist circumference, age, and index HbA1c showed significant associations with TCNS. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that individuals with T2DM who exhibit more severe carotid atherosclerosis may not only be at increased risk of developing DSPN but also may experience greater severity of DSPN. PI in both the CCA and ICA, along with the CPS, serve as surrogate biomarkers for DSPN severity.

Long-term contributions of VOC sources and their link to ozone pollution in Bronx, New York City.

Changes in energy and environmental policies along with changes in the energy markets of New York State over the past two decades, have spurred interest in evaluating their impacts on emissions from various energy generation sectors. This study focused on quantifying these effects on VOC (volatile organic compounds) emissions and their subsequent impacts on air quality within the New York City (NYC) metropolitan area. NYC is an EPA nonattainment region for ozone (O3) and likely is a VOC limited region. NYC has a complex coastal topography and meteorology with low-level jets and sea/bay/land breeze circulation associated with heat waves, leading to summertime O3 exceedances and formation of secondary organic aerosol (SOA). To date, no comprehensive source apportionment studies have been done to understand the contributions of local and long-range sources of VOCs in this area. This study applied an improved Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) methodology designed to incorporate atmospheric dispersion and photochemical reaction losses of VOCs to provide improved apportionment results. Hourly measurements of VOCs were obtained from a Photochemical Assessment Monitoring Station located at an urban site in the Bronx from 2000 to 2021. The study further explores the role of VOC sources in O3 and SOA formation and leverages advanced machine learning tools, XGBoost and SHAP algorithms, to identify synergistic interactions between sources and provided VOC source impacts on ambient O3 concentrations. Isoprene demonstrated a substantial influence in the source contribution of the biogenic factor, emphasizing its role in O3 formation. Notable contributions from anthropogenic emissions, such as fuel evaporation and various industrial processes, along with significant traffic-related sources that likely contribute to SOA formation, underscore the combined impact of natural and human-made sources on O3 pollution. Findings of this study can assist regulatory agencies in developing appropriate policy and management initiatives to control O3 pollution in NYC.

An indicator of the view of time passing: the development and validation of the metacognitive knowledge of time passing scale (MKTPS) in Chinese college students.

How we view the passage of past time determines how we face time itself as well as our futures, which has a strong impact particularly during the highly creative and malleable college years. Chinese culture cherishes time deeply, and for centuries there has been a tradition of "educating children and youth to inspect the passage of time." However, in today's age of information and intelligence, time has shown a trend toward fragmentation. How do contemporary Chinese college students view the passage of time, and what structures or content does it contain? The answer to this question remains uncertain, necessitating further exploration. Following Flavell's theory of metacognitive knowledge (MK), we adopted a semi-structured interview method and used the results to first outline the basic structure of Chinese college students' view of time passing, identifying four major aspects: priming aftereffect, life touching, positive promotion, and negative inhibition. Then, using the initial four-dimensional structure as a starting point, we developed the Metacognitive Knowledge of Time Passing Scale (MKTPS), and carried out exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis to test its fit. The results showed that the four-factor scale and its 22 items had a good fit to the data. Third, the reliability and validity of the self-developed scale were tested. The results show that the internal consistency, split-half, and retest reliability of the MKTPS are good (all rs > 0.60). The construct validity of the MKTPS is also good (r between subscales is 0.33-0.60, r between subscales and total scale is 0.64-0.87), the convergent validity with Zimbardo's negative past time perspective is high (r = 0.37), and the discriminant validity with Zimbardo's future time perspective is significant (r = 0.18). Regarding criterion correlation validity, the total scores of the MKTPS have a significantly higher positive correlation with those of the time management disposition (TMD) scale (r = 0.45). Future points for studying the view of time passing in adults of all ages and across cultures field and shortcomings of the current study are also discussed.