Heart/breathing rate ratio (HBR) as a predictor of mortality in critically ill patients.

Objectives: The early prediction of death is a challenge for medical staff. We evaluated the ability of the heart/breathing rate ratio (HBR) to predict mortality. Methods: This was a single-center retrospective observational study of adult patients who had fever with or without respiratory symptoms, who survived at least 2 h after visiting the hospital, and whose lactate levels and vital signs were tested. We evaluated the distribution of mortality at different HBR levels and compared HBR with lactate. Results: A total of 18,872 fever clinic visits were screened, and 183 patients whose lactate levels were tested were recruited. Patients who had HBR values lower than 4·5 or higher than 5·5 had greater mortality than patients who had HBR values between 4·5 and 5·5 (21·3 % vs. 3·4 %, p = 0·003; 28·9 % vs. 3·4 %, p < 0·001, respectively). In patients whose HBR was <5, the AUROC for HBR for mortality was 0·762 (95 % CI: 0.643-0·880), and that for lactate was 0·701 (95 % CI: 0·564-0·837). In patients whose HBR was ≥5, the AUROC for HBR for mortality was 0·721 (95 % CI: 0·584-0·857), and that for lactate was 0·742 (95 % CI: 0·607-0·848). Conclusions: HBR is helpful for stratifying mortality risk among critically ill patients in acute care clinics for infectious diseases.

Ancient genomes revealed the complex human interactions of the ancient western Tibetans.

The western Tibetan Plateau is the crossroad between the Tibetan Plateau, Central Asia, and South Asia, and it is a potential human migration pathway connecting these regions. However, the population history of the western Tibetan Plateau remains largely unexplored due to the lack of ancient genomes covering a long-time interval from this area. Here, we reported genome-wide data of 65 individuals dated to 3,500-300 years before present (BP) in the Ngari prefecture. The ancient western Tibetan Plateau populations share the majority of their genetic components with the southern Tibetan Plateau populations and have maintained genetic continuity since 3,500 BP while maintaining interactions with populations within and outside the Tibetan Plateau. Within the Tibetan Plateau, the ancient western Tibetan Plateau populations were influenced by the additional expansion from the south to the southwest plateau before 1,800 BP. Outside the Tibetan Plateau, the western Tibetan Plateau populations interacted with both South and Central Asian populations at least 2,000 years ago, and the South Asian-related genetic influence, despite being very limited, was from the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) migrants in Central Asia instead of the IVC populations from the Indus Valley. In light of the new genetic data, our study revealed the complex population interconnections across and within the Tibetan Plateau.

Comparing Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen-Positron Emission Tomography for Prediction of Extraprostatic Extension of Prostate Cancer and Surgical Guidance: A Prospective Nonrandomized Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: Survivors of surgically managed prostate cancer may experience urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. Our aim was to determine if 68Ga-prostate-specific membrane antigen-11 positron emission tomography CT (PSMA-PET) in addition to multiparametric (mp) MRI scans improved surgical decision-making for nonnerve-sparing or nerve-sparing approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 50 patients at risk for extraprostatic extension (EPE) who were scheduled for prostatectomy. After mpMRI and PSMA-PET images were read for EPE prediction, surgeons prospectively answered questionnaires based on mpMRI and PSMA-PET scans on the decision for nerve-sparing or nonnerve-sparing approach. Final whole-mount pathology was the reference standard. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and receiver operating characteristic curves were calculated and McNemar's test was used to compare imaging modalities. RESULTS: The median age and PSA were 61.5 years and 7.0 ng/dL. The sensitivity for EPE along the posterior neurovascular bundle was higher for PSMA-PET than mpMRI (86% vs 57%, P = .03). For MRI, the specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and area under the curve for the receiver operating characteristic curves were 77%, 40%, 87%, and 0.67, and for PSMA-PET were 73%, 46%, 95%, and 0.80. PSMA-PET and mpMRI reads differed on 27 nerve bundles, with PSMA-PET being correct in 20 cases and MRI being correct in 7 cases. Surgeons predicted correct nerve-sparing approach 74% of the time with PSMA-PET scan in addition to mpMRI compared to 65% with mpMRI alone (P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: PSMA-PET scan was more sensitive than mpMRI for EPE along the neurovascular bundles and improved surgical decisions for nerve-sparing approach. Further study of PSMA-PET for surgical guidance is warranted in the unfavorable intermediate-risk or worse populations. CLINICALTRIALS.GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT04936334.

Spatial distribution of Japanese encephalitis cases and correlated geo-environmental factors in southern and northern counties of China.

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a mosquito-borne disease with a spatial distribution that is linked to geo-environmental factors. The spatial distribution of JE cases and correlated geo-environmental factors were investigated in two critical counties in southern and northern China. Based on maps, enhanced thematic mapper (ETM) remote sensing datasets from Landsat and spatial datasets of JE cases, spatial distribution and spatial cluster analyses of JE cases at the village scale were performed by using the standard deviational ellipse and Ripleys K-function. Global and regional spatial cluster analyses of JE cases were also performed by using Moran's index. Regression analysis was used to analyze the relationships between geo-environmental characteristics and the risk of JE cases. At the study sites, the JE cases were not spatially clustered at the village or district (global) level, whereas there was a spatial cluster at the district (local) level. Diversity-related features for JE patients at the district and village levels were detected at two sites. In the southern counties, the distance of a village from a road was related to the village-level JE risk (OR: 0.530, 95 CI: 0.297-0.947, P = 0.032), and the number of township-level JE cases was linked to the distance of the district center from the road (R =-0.467, P = 0.025) and road length (R = 0.516, P = 0.012) in the administrative area. In northern China, the modified normalized difference water index (MNDWI) in the 5 km buffer around the village was related to village-level JE risk (OR: 0.702, 95% CI: 0.524-0.940, P = 0.018), and the number of township-level JE cases was related to the MNDWI in the administrative region (R =-0.522, P = 0.038). This study elucidates the spatial distribution patterns of JE cases and risk, as well as correlated geo-environmental features, at various spatial scales. This study will significantly assist the JE control efforts of the local Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which is the base-level CDC, particularly concerning the allocation of medicine and medical staff, the development of immunological plans, and the allocation of pesticides and other control measures for the mosquito vectors of JE.

Bacterial lipase-responsive polydopamine nanoparticles for detection and synergistic therapy of wound biofilms infection.

Wound biofilms represent an elusive conundrum in contemporary treatment and diagnostic options, accredited to their escalating antibiotic resistance and interference in chronic wound healing processes. Here, we developed mesoporous polydopamine (mPDA) nanoparticles, and grafted with rhodamine B (Rb) as biofilm lipase responsive detection probe, followed by π - π stacking mediated ciprofloxacin (CIP) loading to create mP-Rb@CIP nanoparticles. mPDA NPs with a melanin structure could quench fluorescence emissions of Rb. Once encountering biofilm in vivo, the ester bond in Rb and mPDA is hydrolyzed by elevated lipase concentrations, triggering the liberation of Rb and restore fluorescence emissions to achieve real-time imaging of biofilm-infected wounds. Afterwards, the 808 nm near-infrared (NIR) illumination initiates a spatiotemporal controlled antibacterial photothermal therapy (PTT), boosting its effectiveness through photothermal-triggered CIP release for synergistic biofilm eradication. The mP-Rb@CIP platform exhibits dual diagnostic and therapeutic functions, efficaciously treating biofilm-infected wounds in vivo and in vitro. Particularly, the mP-Rb@CIP/NIR procedure expedites wound-healing by alleviating oxidative stress, modulating inflammatory mediators, boosting collagen synthesis, and promoting angiogenesis. Taken together, the theranostic nanosystem strategy holds significant potential for addressing wound biofilm-associated infections.

Genome-wide identification and functional analysis of the SiCIN gene family in foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.).

Cell wall invertase (CIN) is a vital member of plant invertase (INV) and plays a key role in the breakdown of sucrose. This enzyme facilitates the hydrolysis of sucrose into glucose and fructose, which is crucial for various aspects of plant growth and development. However, the function of CIN genes in foxtail millet (Setaria italica) is less studied. In this research, we used the blast-p of NCBI and TBtools for bidirectional comparison, and a total of 13 CIN genes (named SiCINs) were identified from foxtail millet by using Arabidopsis and rice CIN sequences as reference sequences. The phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that the CIN genes can be categorized into three subfamilies: group 1, group 2, and group 3. Furthermore, upon conducting chromosomal localization analysis, it was observed that the 13 SiCINs were distributed unevenly across five chromosomes. Cis-acting elements of SiCIN genes can be classified into three categories: plant growth and development, stress response, and hormone response. The largest number of cis-acting elements were those related to light response (G-box) and the cis-acting elements related to seed-specific regulation (RY-element). qRT-PCR analysis further confirmed that the expression of SiCIN7 and SiCIN8 in the grain was higher than that in any other tissues. The overexpression of SiCIN7 in Arabidopsis improved the grain size and thousand-grain weight, suggesting that SiCIN7 could positively regulate grain development. Our findings will help to further understand the grain-filling mechanism of SiCIN and elucidate the biological mechanism underlying the grain development of SiCIN.

Etiology including epigenetic defects of retinoblastoma.

Retinoblastoma (RB), originating from the developing retina, is an aggressive intraocular malignant neoplasm in childhood. Biallelic loss of RB1 is conventionally considered a prerequisite for initiating RB development in most RB cases. Additional genetic mutations arising from genome instability following RB1 mutations are proposed to be required to promote RB development. Recent advancements in high throughput sequencing technologies allow a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the etiology of RB that additional genetic alterations following RB1 biallelic loss are rare, yet epigenetic changes driven by RB1 loss emerge as a critical contributor promoting RB tumorigenesis. Multiple epigenetic regulators have been found to be dysregulated and to contribute to RB development, including noncoding RNAs, DNA methylations, RNA modifications, chromatin conformations, and histone modifications. A full understanding of the roles of genetic and epigenetic alterations in RB formation is crucial in facilitating the translation of these findings into effective treatment strategies for RB. In this review, we summarize current knowledge concerning genetic defects and epigenetic dysregulations in RB, aiming to help understand their links and roles in RB tumorigenesis.

Progress in small-molecule inhibitors targeting PD-L1.

PD-L1 is a transmembrane protein overexpressed by tumor cells. It binds to PD-1 on the surface of T-cells, suppresses T-cell activity and hinders the immune response against cancer. Clinically, several monoclonal antibodies targeting PD-1/PD-L1 have achieved significant success in cancer immunotherapy. Nevertheless, their disadvantages, such as unchecked immune responses, high cost and long half-life, stimulated pharmacologists to develop small-molecule inhibitors targeting PD-1/PD-L1. After a batch of excellent inhibitors with a biphenyl core structure were firstly reported by BMS, more and more researchers focused on small-molecule inhibitors targeting PD-L1 rather than PD-1. Numerous small-molecule inhibitors were extensively designed and synthesized in the past few years. In this paper, the structural characteristics of PD-L1 and complexes of PD-L1 with its inhibitors are elaborated and small molecule inhibitors developed in the last decade are summarized as well. This paper aims to provide insights into further designing and synthesis of small molecule inhibitors targeting PD-L1.

Molten Guest-Mediated Metal-Organic Frameworks Featuring Multi-Modal Supramolecular Interaction Sites for Flame-Retardant Superionic Conductor in All-Solid-State Batteries.

The development of solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) with outstanding comprehensive performance is currently a critical challenge for achieving high energy density and safer solid-state batteries (SSBs). In this study, a strategy of nano-confined in situ solidification is proposed to create a novel category of molten guest-mediated metal-organic frameworks, named MGM-MOFs. By embedding the newly developed molten crystalline organic electrolyte (ML20) into the nanocages of anionic MOF-OH, MGM-MOF-OH, characterized by multi-modal supramolecular interaction sites and continuous negative electrostatic environments within nano-channels, is achieved. These nanochannels promote ion transport through the successive hopping of Li+ between neighbored negative electrostatic environments and suppress anion movement through the chemical constraint of the hydroxyl-functionalized pore wall. This results in remarkable Li+ conductivity of 7.1 × 10-4 S cm-1 and high Li+ transference number of 0.81. Leveraging these advantages, the SSBs assembled with MGM-MOF-OH exhibit impressive cycle stability and a high specific energy density of 410.5 Wh kganode + cathode + electrolyte -1 under constrained conditions and various working temperatures. Unlike flammable traditional MOFs, MGM-MOF-OH demonstrates high robustness under various harsh conditions, including ignition, high voltage, and extended to humidity.

Longitudinal association of spirituality with depressive symptom trajectories among older adults in mainland China.

OBJECTIVES: The relationship between spirituality and depressive symptoms among the Chinese elderly is not well known. The current study explores this relationship using longitudinal data and trajectory modeling of depressive symptoms. METHODS: A longitudinal study design was used to measure depressive symptoms repeatedly from 2012 to 2021 using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Group-based trajectory modeling analysis was conducted to determine the trajectories of depressive symptoms, and multiple logistic regression was used to explore the association between spirituality and depressive symptom trajectories. RESULTS: A total of 2333 participants completed at least two GDS measures, and these were included in the Group-based trajectory modeling analysis. An optimal model of three trajectories was derived: no depressive symptoms group (75.2%), new-onset depressive symptoms group (14.4%), and persistent depressive symptoms group (10.4%). Logistic regression modeling revealed that higher spirituality was associated with a lower risk of both new-onset depressive symptoms (OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.49-0.93) and persistent depressive symptoms (OR = 0.32, 95% CI = 0.23-0.45). CONCLUSIONS: Spirituality predicts a lower risk of new-onset depressive symptoms and persistent symptoms among older adults in mainland China.

Assessment of the Learning Curve for a Single-Use Disposable Duodenoscope.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: In response to documented duodenoscope-related infectious outbreaks of multidrug-resistant organisms, the Food and Drug Administration has recommended a transition to duodenoscopes with innovative designs, including duodenoscopes with disposable components or fully disposable duodenoscopes. We aim to characterize the learning curve (LC) for a single-use disposable duodenoscope. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database from 31 patients who underwent ERCP by a single, experienced operator using the EXALT Model D® (Boston Scientific, Marlborough) disposable duodenoscope at a single tertiary referral center. The LC for this device was described by the number of cases needed to achieve proficiency using cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis. Number of attempts to cannulate and time to cannulate the desired duct were assessed as separate endpoints. The overall mean number of attempts and overall mean time to cannulation were used as the target values in the respective CUSUM analyses. Proficiency was defined as the number of procedures where an inflection point was reached in the CUSUM graph. This observation indicates improving operator performance as shown by a decrease in the number of attempts and shortening of cannulation time after the defined number of procedures. RESULTS: Overall, 31 patients underwent ERCP using the EXALT Model D disposable duodenoscope by a single experienced endoscopist. 6 (19%) patients had a native papilla and the majority of these procedures were classified as ASGE complexity level 2 or above. The procedure was completed using solely the disposable duodenoscope in 27 patients (87%), while a reusable duodenoscope was required for procedure completion in 4 patients (13%). The cross-overs were distributed evenly across the performance period. Procedure-related adverse events included: post-ERCP pancreatitis (3%), bleeding (3%) and no perforations. In the analyses of both endpoints, an inflection of the CUSUM curves is achieved at 10 cases, indicating sustained reduction of cannulation attempts and time to cannulation. CONCLUSION: Among experienced pancreaticobiliary endoscopists, approximately 10 ERCPs is the threshold whereby procedure-related factors including cannulation success and procedural time improves. Procedure-related adverse events are consistent with those expected with reusable duodenoscopes. The need to cross-over from single-use duodenoscope to reusable duodenoscope did not appear to be related to the learning curve, as they were evenly distributed across the study period. These results can be used to guide adoption of single-use duodenoscopes into clinical practice.

Zeolitic Pickering Emulsifier with Intrinsic Amphiphilicity.

The formation of oil-in-water Pickering emulsions stabilized by lamellar zeolite MWW (International Zeolite Association, three-letters code) emulsifier without surface grafting is investigated. The crucial emulsification factors are the oligolayer morphology and amphiphilicity developed upon acidic treatment (NH4+ exchange/calcination, HNO3 treatment). In contrast with the readily available/abundant hydrophilic ≡Si-OH group in layer MWW, the lipophilicity generated by strong acid sites is another key to the success of emulsification. Hydrocarbon-strong acid site interaction is long known in petrochemistry and superacid research. However, to the best of our knowledge, this interaction was first introduced to gain lipophilicity in emulsion formation. Finally, the Pd-loaded acidic form of the MWW zeolite successfully stabilized the toluene/H2O emulsion system. The biphasic interfacial nitroarene hydrogenation demonstrated excellent catalytic performance. Overall, this work provided not only a new kind of intrinsic solid to emulsify the organic-aqueous biphase system but also a new mechanism to generate lipophilicity. Both are important for the applications and designs of Pickering emulsion materials.

Ancient Mitogenomes Reveal the Maternal Genetic History of East Asian Dogs.

Recent studies have suggested that dogs were domesticated during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) in Siberia, which contrasts with previous proposed domestication centers (e.g. Europe, the Middle East, and East Asia). Ancient DNA provides a powerful resource for the study of mammalian evolution and has been widely used to understand the genetic history of domestic animals. To understand the maternal genetic history of East Asian dogs, we have made a complete mitogenome dataset of 120 East Asian canids from 38 archaeological sites, including 102 newly sequenced from 12.9 to 1 ka BP (1,000 years before present). The majority (112/119, 94.12%) belonged to haplogroup A, and half of these (55/112, 49.11%) belonged to sub-haplogroup A1b. Most existing mitochondrial haplogroups were present in ancient East Asian dogs. However, mitochondrial lineages in ancient northern dogs (northeastern Eurasia and northern East Asia) were deeper and older than those in southern East Asian dogs. Results suggests that East Asian dogs originated from northeastern Eurasian populations after the LGM, dispersing in two possible directions after domestication. Western Eurasian (Europe and the Middle East) dog maternal ancestries genetically influenced East Asian dogs from approximately 4 ka BP, dramatically increasing after 3 ka BP, and afterwards largely replaced most primary maternal lineages in northern East Asia. Additionally, at least three major mitogenome sub-haplogroups of haplogroup A (A1a, A1b, and A3) reveal at least two major dispersal waves onto the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in ancient times, indicating eastern (A1b and A3) and western (A1a) Eurasian origins.

3D multi-robot olfaction in naturally ventilated indoor environments: Locating a time-varying source at unknown heights.

Source localization is significant for mitigating indoor air pollution and safeguarding the well-being and safety of occupants. While most study focuses on mechanical ventilation and static sources, this study explores the less-explored domain of locating time-varying sources in naturally ventilated spaces. We have developed an innovative 3D localization system that adjusts to varying heights, significantly enhancing capabilities beyond traditional fixed-height 2D systems. To ensure consistency in experimental conditions, we conducted comparative analyses of 2D and 3D methods, using a swinging fan to simulate natural ventilation. Our findings reveal a substantial disparity in performance: the 2D method had a success rate below 46.7% in cases of height mismatches, while our 3D methods consistently achieved success rates above 66.7%, demonstrating their superior effectiveness in complex environments. Furthermore, we validated the 3D strategies in real naturally ventilated settings, confirming their wider applicability. This research extends the scope of indoor source localization and offers valuable insights and strategies for more effective pollution control.

Patient Navigation Plus Tailored Digital Video Disc Increases Colorectal Cancer Screening Among Low-Income and Minority Patients Who Did Not Attend a Scheduled Screening Colonoscopy: A Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: Up to 50% of people scheduled for screening colonoscopy do not complete this test and no studies have focused on minority and low-income populations. Interventions are needed to improve colorectal cancer (CRC) screening knowledge, reduce barriers, and provide alternative screening options. Patient navigation (PN) and tailored interventions increase CRC screening uptake, however there is limited information comparing their effectiveness or the effect of combining them. PURPOSE: Compare the effectiveness of two interventions to increase CRC screening among minority and low-income individuals who did not attend their screening colonoscopy appointment-a mailed tailored digital video disc (DVD) alone versus the mailed DVD plus telephone-based PN compared to usual care. METHODS: Patients (n = 371) aged 45-75 years at average risk for CRC who did not attend a screening colonoscopy appointment were enrolled and were randomized to: (i) a mailed tailored DVD; (ii) the mailed DVD plus phone-based PN; or (iii) usual care. CRC screening outcomes were from electronic medical records at 12 months. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to study intervention effects. RESULTS: Participants randomized to tailored DVD plus PN were four times more likely to complete CRC screening compared to usual care and almost two and a half times more likely than those who were sent the DVD alone. CONCLUSIONS: Combining telephone-based PN with a mailed, tailored DVD increased CRC screening among low-income and minority patients who did not attend their screening colonoscopy appointments and has potential for wide dissemination.

Up to half of people scheduled for a screening colonoscopy do not complete this test. There is a need for interventions to improve knowledge about colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, enhance access to screening by offering alternative test options, foster skills for completing screening, and mitigate barriers. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of two interventions aimed at increasing CRC screening­a mailed tailored digital video disc (DVD) alone versus the mailed DVD plus telephone-based patient navigation (PN)­for patients who had not completed a scheduled screening colonoscopy. We enrolled 371 patients aged 45­75 years who had no CRC risk factors other than age, who were scheduled for a screening colonoscopy but did not attend their appointment. Participants were randomized to receive either: (i) a mailed tailored DVD; (ii) the mailed DVD plus phone-based PN; or (iii) usual care. Those who received the tailored DVD plus PN were four times more likely to complete CRC screening with stool test or colonoscopy compared to usual care. Combining telephone-based PN with a mailed, tailored DVD increased CRC screening among low-income and minority patients who did not attend a scheduled screening colonoscopy appointment.

The effect of artificial light at night (ALAN) on the characteristics of diapause of Aedes albopictus.

BACKGROUND: Recently, the effect of artificial light at night (ALAN) on the physiology and behavior of insects has gradually attracted the attention of researchers and has become a new research topic. Aedes albopictus is an important vector that poses a great public health risk. Further studies on the diapause of Ae. albopictus can provide a basis for new vector control, and it is also worth exploring whether the effect of ALAN on the diapause of Ae. albopictus will provide a reference for the prevention and control of infectious diseases mediated by Ae. albopictus. METHODS: In this study, we experimentally studied the diapause characteristics of different geographical strains of Ae. albopictus under the interference of ALAN, explored the effect of ALAN on the diapause of Ae. albopictus and explored the molecular mechanism of ALAN on the diapause process through RNA-seq. RESULTS: As seen from the diapause incidence, Ae. albopictus of the same geographic strain showed a lower diapause incidence when exposed to ALAN. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were mainly enriched in signaling and metabolism-related pathways in the parental females and diapause eggs of the ALAN group. CONCLUSIONS: ALAN inhibits Ae. albopictus diapause. In the short photoperiod induced diapause of Ae. albopictus in temperate strain Beijing and subtropical strain Guangzhou, the disturbance of ALAN reduced the egg diapause rate and increased the egg hatching rate of Ae. albopictus, and the disturbance of ALAN also shortened the life cycle of Ae. albopictus eggs after hatching.

Age-period-cohort analysis of ischemic stroke deaths attributable to physical inactivity in different income regions.

This study assessed the global and regional burden of IS (ischemic stroke) deaths due to LPA (low physical activity) from 1990 to 2019, analyzed regional, sex, and age differences in ASMR (age-standardized mortality rate), and provided a comprehensive understanding of the impact of age, period, and cohort on low physical activity related ischemic stroke ASMR. We conducted an APC (age-period-cohort) analysis of the global and four World Bank income level regions' IS mortality data attributed to LPA from 1990 to 2019, using the GBD2019 database, and the results showed that the global net drift of the Ischemic stroke age-standardized mortality attributable to low physical activity was - 1.085%[95% CI: - 1.168, - 1.003].The ASMR drop is most pronounced in the high-income zone, with a net drift of - 2.473% [95% CI: - 2.759, - 2.187] across the four income groups. The influence of age on mortality is increasing in the worldwide old population, while the period and cohort effects are decreasing. We also performed a Joinpoint regression analysis, which revealed that the specific time of considerable drop in ASMR of IS in the global LPA population was 2002-2007, with an APC of -2.628%. The specific period of considerable drop in ASMR in high-income regions with the highest variation was 1999-2007, with an APC = - 4.726%. The global burden of public health deaths caused by LPA is diminishing, with the most notable progress observed in high-income regions. However, in low and lower-middle income areas, the situation continues to deteriorate. Within the global elderly population, the effects of age on mortality is increasing, while the effects of period and cohort are diminishing. These trends vary across income levels, highlighting the necessity for enhanced international collaboration to formulate context-specific public health strategies aimed at enhancing cardiovascular health on a global, regional, and national scale.

Possible potential spread of Anopheles stephensi, the Asian malaria vector.

BACKGROUND: Anopheles stephensi is native to Southeast Asia and the Arabian Peninsula and has emerged as an effective and invasive malaria vector. Since invasion was reported in Djibouti in 2012, the global invasion range of An. stephensi has been expanding, and its high adaptability to the environment and the ongoing development of drug resistance have created new challenges for malaria control. Climate change is an important factor affecting the distribution and transfer of species, and understanding the distribution of An. stephensi is an important part of malaria control measures, including vector control. METHODS: In this study, we collected existing distribution data for An. stephensi, and based on the SSP1-2.6 future climate data, we used the Biomod2 package in R Studio through the use of multiple different model methods such as maximum entropy models (MAXENT) and random forest (RF) in this study to map the predicted global An. stephensi climatically suitable areas. RESULTS: According to the predictions of this study, some areas where there are no current records of An. stephensi, showed significant areas of climatically suitable for An. stephensi. In addition, the global climatically suitability areas for An. stephensi are expanding with global climate change, with some areas changing from unsuitable to suitable, suggesting a greater risk of invasion of An. stephensi in these areas, with the attendant possibility of a resurgence of malaria, as has been the case in Djibouti. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence for the possible invasion and expansion of An. stephensi and serves as a reference for the optimization of targeted monitoring and control strategies for this malaria vector in potential invasion risk areas.

High performance artificial visual perception and recognition with a plasmon-enhanced 2D material neural network.

The development of neuromorphic visual systems has recently gained momentum due to their potential in areas such as autonomous vehicles and robotics. However, current machine visual systems based on silicon technology usually contain photosensor arrays, format conversion, memory and processing modules. As a result, the redundant data shuttling between each unit, resulting in large latency and high-power consumption, seriously limits the performance of neuromorphic vision chips. Here, we demonstrate an artificial neural network (ANN) architecture based on an integrated 2D MoS2/Ag nanograting phototransistor array, which can simultaneously sense, pre-process and recognize optical images without latency. The pre-processing function of the device under photoelectric synergy ensures considerable improvement of efficiency and accuracy of subsequent image recognition. The comprehensive performance of the proof-of-concept device demonstrates great potential for machine vision applications in terms of large dynamic range (180 dB), high speed (500 ns) and low energy consumption per spike (2.4 × 10-17 J).

A study of the capacity fade of a LiCoO2/graphite battery during the temperature storage process at 45 °C under different SOCs.

Lithium-ion batteries with lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) as a cathode and graphite as an anode are promising energy storage systems. However, the high-temperature storage mechanism under different states of charge (SOCs) conditions in batteries remains inadequately elucidated, and a clear storage policy has yet to be established. This study investigates and compares the capacity decay mechanism of a 63 mA h LiCoO2/graphite battery at 45 °C under various SOCs (100%, 75%, 50%, 30%, 0%), while also analysing the underlying reasons for this decay. The exhibited capacity recovery rates under 30% SOC and 100% SOC were significantly higher compared with those of the 50% and 75% SOC levels. Additionally, an analysis was conducted on battery storage under 0% SOC conditions, revealing its unsuitability for storage. By disassembling and analysing the batteries after storage, it was found that the dead lithium (Li) and cobalt (Co) in the anode gradually increased with the extension of storage time when stored under the same SOC. Finally, storage schemes under different SOCs are proposed, providing valuable suggestions for battery storage.