Life satisfaction components and all-cause and cause-specific mortality: A large prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Which life satisfaction components could be a target of positive psychological interventions for longevity is largely unknown. We aimed to investigate association of the composite measure of life satisfaction and its individual components with mortality. METHODS: This cohort study included UK Biobank participants who responded to questions concerning five components of life satisfaction at baseline. We generated a composite score representing overall life satisfaction, ranging from 0 (lowest) to 5 (highest). The outcomes were all-cause and cause-specific mortality. We used multivariable Cox regression to estimate hazard ratios (HR) for the associations of interest. RESULTS: Among 165,842 eligible participants, 12,261 all-cause deaths were observed over a median of 12.9-year follow-up. Overall life satisfaction was inversely associated with all-cause mortality (adjusted HR 0.94 [95% CI: 0.93-0.95] per 1 score increment). Health satisfaction showed the strongest association with all-cause mortality, with a fully adjusted HR of 0.52 (95% CI: 0.49-0.55) for high/extreme satisfaction and 0.63 (95% CI: 0.59-0.66) for moderate satisfaction, compared with unsatisfaction (P-trend<0.001), independent of other satisfaction components, regardless of physical health and sociodemographics. The association for family, friendship, work and financial satisfaction was attenuated when adjusted for other life satisfaction components. Similar findings were observed for cause-specific mortality. LIMITATIONS: Observational study with single baseline measurement of life satisfaction precludes the ability to establish causal relationship. CONCLUSIONS: Higher overall life satisfaction was associated with lower mortality. As the major contributor to lower mortality regardless of physical health and sociodemographics, health satisfaction could be an important target of positive psychological interventions for longevity.

Ultrathin Layered Structure and Oxygen Vacancies Mediated Efficient Charge Separation toward High Photocatalytic Activity in BiOIO3 Nanosheets.

Previous bismuth-based photocatalysts usually employ a strong acid solution (e.g., HNO3 solution) to obtain an ultrathin structure toward high photocatalytic activity. In this work, the ultrathin layered BiOIO3 nanosheets are successfully synthesized using just the glucose hydrothermal solution. The high-concentration glucose solution shows the obvious acidity after the hydrothermal process, which leads to the quick decrease in thickness of BiOIO3 nanosheets from ∼45.58 to ∼5.74 nm. The ultrathin structure can greatly improve charge carriers' separation and transfer efficiency. The generation of reductive iodide ions brings about oxygen vacancies in the ultrathin nanosheets, then the defect energy level is formed, causing the decreased band gap and improving the visible light absorption. Compared to thick BiOIO3 nanosheet with little oxygen vacancies, much higher carrier separation efficiency and visible light absorption are achieved in the ultrathin nanosheets with oxygen vacancies, resulting in an excellent photocatalytic performance (0.1980 min-1 for RhB degradation), which is much higher than most other bismuth-based photocatalysts. The superoxide radicals (•O2-) and holes (h+) are the major active species responsible for high photocatalytic activity. This work affords an environmentally friendly strategy to synthesize ultrathin photocatalysts with superior photocatalytic properties.

Superior Energy Storage Capability and Fluorescence Negative Thermal Expansion of NaNbO3-Based Transparent Ceramics by Synergistic Optimization.

Transparent dielectric ceramics are splendid candidates for transparent pulse capacitors (TPCs) due to splendid cycle stability and large power density. However, the performance and service life of TPCs at present are threatened by overheating damage caused by dielectric loss. Here, a cooperative optimization strategy of microstructure control and superparaelectric regional regulation is proposed to simultaneously achieve excellent energy storage performance and real-time temperature monitoring function in NaNbO3-based ceramics. By introducing aliovalent ions and oxides with large bandgap energy, the size of polar nanoregions is continuously reduced. Due to the combined effect of increased relaxor behavior and fine grains, excellent comprehensive performances are obtained through doping appropriate amounts of Bi, Yb, Tm, and Zr, Ta, Hf in A- and B-sites of the NaNbO3 matrix, including recoverable energy storage density (5.39 J cm-3), extremely high energy storage efficiency (91.97%), ultra-fast discharge time (29 ns), and superior optical transmittance (≈47.5% at 736 nm). Additionally, the phenomenon of abnormal fluorescent negative thermal expansion is realized due to activation mechanism of surface phonon at high temperatures that can promote the formation of [Yb···O]-Tm3+ pairs, showing great potential in real-time temperature monitoring of TPCs. This research provides ideas for developing electronic devices with multiple functionalities.

Targeting mPGES-2 to protect against acute kidney injury via inhibition of ferroptosis dependent on p53.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a clinical syndrome with high morbidity and mortality but no specific therapy. Microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-2 (mPGES-2) is a PGE2 synthase but can metabolize PGH2 to malondialdehyde by forming a complex with heme. However, the role and mechanism of action of mPGES-2 in AKI remain unclear. To examine the role of mPGES-2, both global and tubule-specific mPGES-2-deficient mice were treated with cisplatin to induce AKI. mPGES-2 knockdown or overexpressing HK-2 cells were exposed to cisplatin to cause acute renal tubular cell injury. The mPGES-2 inhibitor SZ0232 was used to test the translational potential of targeting mPGES-2 in treating AKI. Additionally, mice were subjected to unilateral renal ischemia/reperfusion to further validate the effect of mPGES-2 on AKI. Interestingly, both genetic and pharmacological blockage of mPGES-2 led to decreased renal dysfunction and morphological damage induced by cisplatin and unilateral renal ischemia/reperfusion. Mechanistic exploration indicated that mPGES-2 deficiency inhibited ferroptosis via the heme-dependent regulation of the p53/SLC7A11/GPX4 axis. The present study indicates that mPGES-2 blockage may be a promising therapeutic strategy for AKI.

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Risk Factor-Based Lung Cancer Screening Program by Low-Dose Computer Tomography in Current Smokers in China.

Although the effectiveness of lung cancer screening by low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) could be shown in China, there could be variation in the evidence concerning the economic impact. Our study explores the cost-effectiveness of lung cancer screening and optimizes the best definition of a high-risk population. A Markov model consisting of the natural history and post-diagnosis states was constructed to estimate the costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) of LDCT screening compared with no screening. A total of 36 distinct risk factor-based screening strategies were assessed by incorporating starting ages of 40, 45, 50, 55, 60 and 65 years, stopping ages of 69, 74 and 79 years as well as smoking eligibility criteria. Screening data came from community-based mass screening with LDCT for lung cancer in Guangzhou. Compared with no screening, all screening scenarios led to incremental costs and QALYs. When the willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold was USD37,653, three times the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita in China, six of nine strategies on the efficiency frontier may be cost-effective. Annual screening between 55 and 79 years of age for those who smoked more than 20 pack-years, which yielded an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of USD35,000.00 per QALY gained, was considered optimal. In sensitivity analyses, the result was stable in most cases. The trends of the results are roughly the same in scenario analyses. According to the WTP threshold of different regions, the optimal screening strategies were annual screening for those who smoked more than 20 pack-years, between 50 and 79 years of age in Zhejiang province, 55-79 years in Guangdong province and 65-74 years in Yunnan province. However, annual screening was unlikely to be cost-effective in Heilongjiang province under our modelling assumptions, indicating that tailored screening policies should be made regionally according to the local epidemiological and economic situation.

Bi0·5Na0·5TiO3/ZnO Z-scheme heterojunction for piezo-photocatalytic water remediation: Mechanical energy harvesting and energy band configuration.

The decaying photocatalytic rate caused by carrier recombination is a thorny problem that has not been properly solved. Improvement of photocatalysis can be achieved through structural innovation, diversification of catalytic modes, or a combination of both. Herein, effective separation of photo-generated carriers in Bi0·5Na0·5TiO3/ZnO composites was achieved by heterojunction construction for energy band regulation and synchronously mechanical energy harvesting from piezoelectric effect. The formation of heterojunctions between Bi0·5Na0·5TiO3 and ZnO was confirmed by electron microscopy and analysis of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy spectra. The degradation performance of Rhodamine B, a representative industrial dye contaminant, was optimized through the formation of Bi0·5Na0·5TiO3/ZnO heterojunctions and ultrasonic vibration harvesting. Their band structures were described in detail and electrochemical tests were performed to substantiate a novel Z-scheme heterostructure that can explain the carrier separation and transfer processes in catalysis. The piezoelectric polarization field generated by the piezoelectric effect of both Bi0·5Na0·5TiO3 and ZnO coordinates perfectly with the photocatalysis, enabling the piezo-photocatalysis. Our research opens a promising avenue in alleviating charge carrier complexation through heterojunction construction and mechanical strain for future pollutants degradation via catalysis.

H2O2 activated moxa ash via ball milling for ultrafast removal of mitoxantrone.

As emerging contaminants, antineoplastic drugs are widely used, but their residues in water may cause long-term genotoxicity to aquatic organisms and human beings. Here, waste moxa ash was selected as biomass raw material and modified by ball milling to obtain carbon-based materials with excellent adsorption performance, which were used to remove the antineoplastic drug mitoxantrone (MTX) from water. The experimental results indicate that moxa ash modified by ball milling in hydrogen peroxide exhibits ultrafast removal of MTX (the removal efficiency reaches 97.66% in 1 min and 99.72% in 30 min). The pseudo-second-order kinetics and Freundlich isotherm models accurately describe the MTX adsorption process, and the mechanism of adsorption probably involves pore filling, hydrogen bond, π-π interaction and electrostatic attraction. Not only that, moxa ash also has the ability to remove dyes such as malachite green (97.81%) and methylene blue (99.97%). In this study, a simple and environmentally friendly process was used to convert waste moxa ash into an effective MTX adsorbent, providing a feasible solution for controlling MTX pollution and identifying a circular and economic way to reuse the waste.

Efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and the dose-response relationship with three major antibodies: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in preventing severe COVID-19 illness and death is uncertain due to the rarity of data in individual trials. How well the antibody concentrations can predict the efficacy is also uncertain. We aimed to assess the efficacy of these vaccines in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infections of different severities and the dose-response relationship between the antibody concentrations and efficacy. METHODS: We did a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs). We searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, WHO, bioRxiv, and medRxiv for papers published between Jan 1, 2020 and Sep 12, 2022. RCTs on the efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines were eligible. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane tool. A frequentist, random-effects model was used to combine efficacy for common outcomes (ie, symptomatic and asymptomatic infections) and a Bayesian random-effects model was used for rare outcomes (ie, hospital admission, severe infection, and death). Potential sources of heterogeneity were investigated. The dose-response relationships of neutralising, spike-specific IgG and receptor binding domain-specific IgG antibody titres with efficacy in preventing SARS-CoV-2 symptomatic and severe infections were examined by meta-regression. This systematic review is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42021287238. FINDINGS: 28 RCTs (n=286 915 in vaccination groups and n=233 236 in placebo groups; median follow-up 1-6 months after last vaccination) across 32 publications were included in this review. The combined efficacy of full vaccination was 44·5% (95% CI 27·8-57·4) for preventing asymptomatic infections, 76·5% (69·8-81·7) for preventing symptomatic infections, 95·4% (95% credible interval 88·0-98·7) for preventing hospitalisation, 90·8% (85·5-95·1) for preventing severe infection, and 85·8% (68·7-94·6) for preventing death. There was heterogeneity in the efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines against asymptomatic and symptomatic infections but insufficient evidence to suggest whether the efficacy could differ according to the type of vaccine, age of the vaccinated individual, and between-dose interval (p>0·05 for all). Vaccine efficacy against symptomatic infection waned over time after full vaccination, with an average decrease of 13·6% (95% CI 5·5-22·3; p=0·0007) per month but can be enhanced by a booster. We found a significant non-linear relationship between each type of antibody and efficacy against symptomatic and severe infections (p<0·0001 for all), but there remained considerable heterogeneity in the efficacy, which cannot be explained by antibody concentrations. The risk of bias was low in most studies. INTERPRETATION: The efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines is higher for preventing severe infection and death than for preventing milder infection. Vaccine efficacy wanes over time but can be enhanced by a booster. Higher antibody titres are associated with higher estimates of efficacy but precise predictions are difficult due to large unexplained heterogeneity. These findings provide an important knowledge base for interpretation and application of future studies on these issues. FUNDING: Shenzhen Science and Technology Programs.

Phase Stability and Dual-Mode Photoluminescence Modulation in Er-Doped Lead Zirconate Titanate Antiferroelectrics.

The electric-field-modulation (E-modulation) of photoluminescence (PL) properties in bulk ceramics has attracted tremendous interest due to its potential application in optical data storage and communication devices. One promising approach of reversibly and largely modulating the PL intensity has been proposed in rare-earth Er3+-doped Pb0.96La0.04Zr0.9Ti0.1O3 (PLZT) antiferroelectrics (AFEs) based on the unique E-dependent antiferroelectric-ferroelectric (AFE-FE) phase transition. However, the AFE phase stability of PLZT doped with various Er contents and their E-modulated PL properties have not been systematically investigated. In this paper, the intrinsic AFE phase of PLZT-Er is found to be stabilized in the high-temperature and high-E regions with increasing Er3+ content. The enhanced AFE nature caused by increasing Er doping leads to a larger E-dependent PL tunability (∼35%). Moreover, the ceramics exhibit the characteristics of both upconversion and downconversion PL (UCPL and DCPL) effects. Based on the excellent E-dependent dual-mode PL tunability, an optoelectronic device named the optical latch is demonstrated, where an electric signal can be used to trigger a notable intensity change in both the UCPL and DCPL modes. This reversible E-dependent dual-mode capability in PLZT-Er sheds light on a feasible approach to optoelectronic applications.

Regular Glucosamine Use May Have Different Roles in the Risk of Site-Specific Cancers: Findings from a Large Prospective Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies indicated that glucosamine supplements may have a general anticancer effect. This study aimed to assess whether the potential effect differs across different types of cancers in a large prospective cohort study. METHODS: All participants from the UK Biobank who were free of cancers and had complete information on glucosamine use at baseline were included and followed up from 2006 until 2021. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the associations between regular glucosamine use and different site-specific cancers. Subgroup analyses were performed to explore potential interactions. Several sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the robustness of the main findings. RESULTS: A total of 450,207 eligible participants (mean age: 56.2 years; females: 53.3%) were included, of whom 84,895 (18.9%) reported regular glucosamine use at baseline. During a median of 12.5 years follow-up, glucosamine use was significantly associated with an increased risk of overall cancer [HR, 1.04; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01-1.06], skin cancer (HR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.07-1.15), and prostate cancer (HR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.01-1.13), and with a reduced risk of lung cancer (HR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.79-0.97) after adjusting for potential confounders. Statistical interaction was observed for gender, age, and education for the association of glucosamine use with overall cancer risk (all Pinteraction < 0.027). These results remained unchanged in the sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Regular glucosamine use was associated with lower risk of lung cancer but higher risk of skin cancer, prostate cancer, and overall cancer. IMPACT: The roles of glucosamine use potentially differ in the development of different site-specific cancers.

Change in the Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate Over Time and Risk of First Stroke in Hypertensive Patients.

BACKGROUND: The association between changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) over time and the risk of stroke remains inconclusive. We aimed to evaluate the relation of eGFR change during the China Stroke Primary Prevention Trial (CSPPT) with the risk of first stroke during the subsequent post-trial follow-up. METHODS: A total of 11,742 hypertensive participants with two eGFR measurements (median measure interval, 4.4; interquartile range, 4.2-4.6 years) and without a history of stroke from the CSPPT were included in this analysis. RESULTS: Over a median post-trial follow-up of 4.4 years, 729 first strokes were identified, of which 635 were ischemic, 88 were hemorrhagic, and 6 were uncertain types of strokes. Compared with those with 1 to <2% per year increase in eGFR (with the lowest stroke risk), those with an increase in eGFR of ≥4% per year had significantly increased risks of first stroke (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10-3.50) and first ischemic stroke (adjusted HR 2.14; 95% CI, 1.17-3.90). Similarly, those with a decline in eGFR of ≥5% per year also had significantly increased first stroke (adjusted HR 2.13; 95% CI, 1.37-3.31) and first ischemic stroke (adjusted HR 1.89; 95% CI, 1.19-3.02) risk. However, there was no significant association between eGFR change and first hemorrhagic stroke. A similar result was found when the change in eGFR was quantified as an absolute annual change. CONCLUSION: In Chinese hypertensive patients, both the decline and increase of eGFR levels were independently associated with the risks of first stroke or first ischemic stroke.

Geographical, Sex, Age, and Seasonal Differences in Serum Manganese Status Among Chinese Adults with Hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Manganese (Mn) is an essential trace metal element required for optimal human health. However, few studies have assessed the Mn status in hypertensive patients, especially in China. Moreover, factors associated with Mn status have not yet been thoroughly explored. Therefore, we aimed to assess the serum Mn status of adults with hypertension in China and its association with demographic factors. METHODS: An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted to assess serum Mn concentrations in 14 provinces of China. A total of 2597 patients with hypertension were randomly identified by sex, age, and district, and serum Mn concentrations were quantified using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). RESULTS: In our study population, the median serum Mn levels were 1.60 (interquartile range (IQR), 0.94-2.85) µg/L for males and 1.51 (IQR, 0.86-2.69) µg/L for females. In adjusted linear regression models, significantly higher serum Mn concentrations were found in summer (compared with spring, ß, 1.06 µg/L, 95% CI: 0.62 to 1.50), and those living in Guangxi (compared with Heilongjiang, ß, 0.81, 95% CI: 0.06 to 1.56), Shanxi (compared with Heilongjiang, ß, 0.75, 95% CI: 0.01 to 1.50), and Liaoning (compared with Heilongjiang, ß, 1.65, 95% CI: 0.91 to 2.38), and significantly lower serum Mn concentrations were found in patients who aged 60-70 years (compared with those aged < 60 years, ß, - 0.40 µg/L, 95% CI: - 0.76 to - 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our findings observed high serum Mn status among Chinese adults with hypertension, and revealed the association between terms of age, region, and season with serum Mn.

Association between plasma selenium and risk of ischemic stroke: A community-based, nested, and case-control study.

Background: The prospective association between plasma Se and stroke risk remains inconclusive. The relationship between Se and ischemic stroke among a low circulating Se status population deserves more attention, especially for Chinese people who were a high-risk group for Se deficiency. Objective: The relationship between plasma Se concentration and ischemic stroke risk in a large-scale Chinese community-based population and any potential effect modifiers were investigated. Methods: A nested, case-control study, using data from the "China H-type Hypertension Registry Study" were conducted. A total of 1,904 first ischemic stroke cases and 1,904 controls matched for age, sex, and village were included in this study. The association between plasma Se and first ischemic stroke was evaluated by conditional logistic regression analyses. Results: The median value of plasma Se was 65.8 µg/L among total participants. Overall, a significant inverse relationship between plasma Se and first ischemic stroke risk was found (per SD increment; adjusted OR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.80 and 0.95). Accordingly, a significantly lower risk of first ischemic stroke was found in participants in quartile 3 (65.8-<77.8 µg/L) (adjusted OR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.63 and 0.96) and quartile 4 (≥77.8 µg/L) (adjusted OR: 0.76; 95% CI: 0.59 and 0.96), compared with those in quartile 1 (<56.0 µg/L). Furthermore, a significantly lower ischemic stroke risk was found in those with lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels (<3.4 vs. ≥3.4 mmol/L; P for interaction = 0.015) or those with lower homocysteine levels (<12.1 (median) vs. ≥12.1 µmol/L; P for interaction = 0.027) at baseline. Conclusion: Plasma Se was significantly inversely associated with the risk of first ischemic stroke among a large-scale Chinese community-based population (most adults with hypertension and elevated total homocysteine), especially among those with lower LDL-C and lower homocysteine levels.

Cost-effectiveness of folic acid therapy for primary prevention of stroke in patients with hypertension.

BACKGROUND: For hypertensive patients without a history of stroke or myocardial infarction (MI), the China Stroke Primary Prevention Trial (CSPPT) demonstrated that treatment with enalapril-folic acid reduced the risk of primary stroke compared with enalapril alone. Whether folic acid therapy is an affordable and beneficial treatment strategy for the primary prevention of stroke in hypertensive patients from the Chinese healthcare sector perspective has not been thoroughly explored. METHODS: We performed a cost-effectiveness analysis alongside the CSPPT, which randomized 20,702 hypertensive patients. A patient-level microsimulation model based on the 4.5-year period of in-trial data was used to estimate costs, life years, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) for enalapril-folic acid vs. enalapril over a lifetime horizon from the payer perspective. RESULTS: During the in-trial follow-up period, patients receiving enalapril-folic acid gained an average of 0.016 QALYs related primarily to reductions in stroke, and the incremental cost was $706.03 (4553.92 RMB). Over a lifetime horizon, enalapril-folic acid treatment was projected to increase quality-adjusted life years by 0.06 QALYs or 0.03 life-year relative to enalapril alone at an incremental cost of $1633.84 (10,538.27 RMB), resulting in an ICER for enalapril-folic acid compared with enalapril alone of $26,066.13 (168,126.54 RMB) per QALY gained and $61,770.73 (398,421.21 RMB) per life-year gained, respectively. A probabilistic sensitivity analysis demonstrated that enalapril-folic acid compared with enalapril would be economically attractive in 74.5% of simulations at a threshold of $37,663 (242,9281 RMB) per QALY (3x current Chinese per capita GDP). Several high-risk subgroups had highly favorable ICERs < $12,554 (80,976 RMB) per QALY (1x GDP). CONCLUSIONS: For both in-trial and over a lifetime, it appears that enalapril-folic acid is a clinically and economically attractive medication compared with enalapril alone. Adding folic acid to enalapril may be a cost-effective strategy for the prevention of primary stroke in hypertensive patients from the Chinese health system perspective.

Enhanced piezo-photocatalysis in Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3@Ag composite to efficiently degrade multiple organic pollutants.

The synergistic piezo-photocatalysis with enhanced efficiency for degrading obstinate pollutants in wastewater is considered as an advanced way to ameliorate the global water contamination. In this work, we report a facile route to construct the Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3@Ag composite by photoreduction of AgNO3 to obtain Ag on Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3 nanoparticles. And the composite was used to degrade three representative pollutants, i.e. ciprofloxacin, methyl orange and mitoxantrone hydrochloride. Remarkably, for methyl orange solution with the initial concentration of 10 mg/L, the degradation rate constant of the composite reached 0.051 min-1. H+ and •O2- play a major role in this degradation process, verified by the radical quenching experiments. The absorption platform of Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3 was located in the UV region, after introducing Ag in the composite, the absorption region broadened to both UV and visible light, greatly promoting the response to light. Simultaneously, the induced piezo-potential by mechanical energy in Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3 hindered the carrier recombination, resulting in high-efficiency synergistic piezo-photocatalytic process. This work provides a paradigm to innovate both material and catalytic way for degrading multiple organic pollutants.

Signally enhanced piezo-photocatalysis of Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3/MWCNTs composite for degradation of rhodamine B.

Recently, the lead-free piezoelectric material Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3 (BNT) has been adopted for piezo-catalysis and synergistic catalysis, such as piezo-photocatalysis. Nonetheless, the catalytic effect of single BNT is too weak to degrade multifarious contaminants. Here, BNT and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) composite were prepared and the catalytic performance of BNT was prominently boosted by introducing MWCNTs as the electron capturer. Particularly, the degradation rate of Rhodamine B (RhB, a typical contaminant) could reach 90% within 30 min, with a high rate constant of 0.0805 min-1. The specific degradation pathway of RhB was analyzed. The formation of oxygen vacancies was confirmed by XPS analysis, and the vital role of oxygen vacancies in the separation of photo-generated carriers was elucidated. Meanwhile, the BNT/MWCNTs composites manifested stronger transient current response compared to single BNT under the action of light irradiation and ultrasonic vibration, respectively. According to impedance analysis, the composites exhibited lower carrier transport resistance. Eventually, the mechanism of enhanced piezo-photocatalysis was explained in detail. This study provides an effective route to break the shackle of carrier recombination and speed up the carrier transport in piezo-photocatalytic materials.

Association between serum calcium levels and first stroke: A community-based nested case-control study.

Background: Evidence from epidemiologic studies has been limited and inconsistent regarding the role of serum calcium in stroke incidence risk. We aimed to evaluate the association between serum albumin-corrected calcium and the risk of the first stroke in the Chinese community-dwelling population. Methods: The study sample population was drawn from the "H-type Hypertension and Stroke Prevention and Control Project." Using a nested case-control study, a total of 1,255 first-stroke cases and 1,255 controls matched for age, sex, and village were included in the final data analysis. We measured the serum calcium by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and assessed the associations between serum albumin-corrected calcium and first stroke using conditional logistic regression. Results: The overall mean (SD) serum albumin-corrected calcium was 8.9 (0.6) mg/dl. Compared with the middle tertile (8.7-9.1 mg/dl), the multivariate-adjusted odds ratios (95% CIs) of first total stroke associated with the lowest tertile and the highest tertile of serum albumin-corrected calcium were 1.37 (1.10, 1.70) and 1.30 (1.04, 1.62), respectively. Similar trends were observed for the first ischemic stroke. Consistently, restricted cubic spline showed a U-shaped association between serum albumin-corrected calcium and risk of total stroke and ischemic stroke. However, serum albumin-corrected calcium had no significant effect on first hemorrhagic stroke. No significant effect modification was observed in the subgroup analysis. Conclusions: Our results suggested a U-shaped association between serum calcium and first stroke; both low and high serum calcium levels were associated with an increased risk of the first stroke in the Chinese population.

Photochromic and Electric Field-Regulating Luminescence in High-Transparent (K,Na)NbO3-Based Ferroelectric Ceramics with Two-Phase Coexistence.

Rare earth Tb3+ doped (K0.465Na0.465Li0.07)(Nb0.93Bi0.07)O3 (KNNLB-x%Tb) lead-free transparent ferroelectric ceramics were designed and prepared. The effects of Tb3+ on phase structure, microstructure, optical transmittance, photoluminescence, and photochromic behaviors were studied. Although two ferroelectric phases coexist, the optical transmittance can reach the high value of 74% in the visible light region because of the fine grains, dense ceramic microstructure, large optical energy band gap, and relatively high symmetry of coexisting ferroelectric phases. In addition, Tb3+ works as a luminescent center, and the reversible photochromic modulation is achieved by alternate stimulation of illumination and heat treatment. Meanwhile, the luminescence contrast can be improved under in situ electric field stimulation due to the easy change of lattice symmetry in coexisting ferroelectric phases. The generation of color centers after illumination and the local crystal field around the luminescent center caused by in situ electric field contributes to above phenomena. These ceramics exhibit the great potential in optical data storage and anticounterfeiting.

A Cross-Sectional Study of the Distribution Patterns and Potential Determinants in Plasma Selenium Status Among Chinese Adults With Hypertension.

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element in selenoproteins biosynthesis for the human body and plays an important role in the prevention and control of subsequent cardiovascular disease in adults with hypertension. However, reports on Se status and its potential determinants in populations from different regions of China are limited, especially data on adults with hypertension, a high-risk group more vulnerable to oxidative stress. Thus, we conducted a cross-sectional study from February 2017 to May 2018 of 2,599 participants (1,389 men and 1,210 women) on middle-aged to elderly adults with hypertension with a mean age of 63.1 years (SD 13.3) from 14 provinces of China and aimed to examine the relationship of plasma Se status with demographic characteristics and lifestyles. Overall, the male participants (mean value 75.0 µg/L) tended to have higher plasma Se concentrations than the female participants (73.7 µg/L) when controlling for relevant factors. There were significant differences among regions, and in age and body mass index (BMI) in plasma Se distribution, and plasma Se concentrations were significantly lower among those in the regions with relatively lower Se, aged 60 years or older, and with BMI lower than 28 kg/m2. Moreover, a higher frequency of meat consumption (1-2 or ≥3 times/week vs. <1 time/week) was significantly associated with higher plasma Se concentrations in men and women, and male alcohol drinkers had significantly higher plasma Se concentrations than non-alcohol drinkers. Adequate consumption of fruits and vegetables (0.5-1.5 kg/week) was associated with higher plasma Se concentrations among women, but was associated with relatively lower plasma Se concentrations in men. Our results indicated relatively low plasma Se status in Chinese adults with hypertension from 14 provinces, while specific factors including geographic, demographic, and lifestyle characteristics and blood pressure were significantly associated with plasma Se status in this hypertensive population. In addition, more studies are required to further evaluate dietary structure and other lifestyle factors that influence circulating Se status.