Understanding Variations in Ferrate Detection through the ABTS Method in the Presence of Electron-Rich Organic Compounds.

The chromogenic reaction between 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS) and ferrate [Fe(VI)] has long been utilized for Fe(VI) content measurement. However, the presence of electron-rich organic compounds has been found to significantly impact Fe(VI) detection using the ABTS method, leading to relative errors ranging from ∼88 to 100%. Reducing substances consumed ABTS•+ and resulted in underestimated Fe(VI) levels. Moreover, the oxidation of electron-rich organics containing hydroxyl groups by Fe(VI) could generate a phenoxyl radical (Ph•), promoting the transformation of Fe(VI) → Fe(V) → Fe(IV). The in situ formation of Fe(IV) can then contribute to ABTS oxidation, altering the ABTS•+:Fe(VI) stoichiometry from 1:1 to 2:1. To overcome these challenges, we introduced Mn(II) as an activator and 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) as a chromogenic agent for Fe(VI) detection. This Mn(II)/TMB method enables rapid completion of the chromogenic reaction within 2 s, with a low detection limit of approximately 4 nM and a wide detection range (0.01-10 µM). Importantly, the Mn(II)/TMB method exhibits superior resistance to reductive interference and effectively eliminates the impact of phenoxyl-radical-mediated intermediate valence iron transfer processes associated with electron-rich organic compounds. Furthermore, this method is resilient to particle interference and demonstrates practical applicability in authentic waters.

An integration-free induced pluripotent stem cell line from a 42-year-old female donor with the APOE-ε2/ε2 allele.

The APOE 4 allele remains the primary genetic risk factor for sporadic Alzheimer's disease, whereas the APOE 2 allele emerges as a protective factor. Therapeutic approaches in murine models with human APOE alleles, such as modulating APOE levels and converting isoforms, show efficacy. However, there is a lack of in vitro APOE2-mutant human neuronal models. Hence, in this study, we generated human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) from the peripheral blood mononuclear blood cells (PMBC) of a 42-year-old female donor carrying the APOE-ε2/ε2 allele. The newly generated hiPSC displayed normal karyotype and could differentiate into three germ layers. Besides, they retained their original genotype and expressed pluripotency markers.

Spatial and temporal changes of air quality in Shandong Province from 2016 to 2022 and model prediction.

This study investigates the spatial and temporal dynamics of air quality in Shandong Province from 2016 to 2022. The Air Quality Index (AQI) showed a seasonal pattern, with higher values in winter due to temperature inversions and heating emissions, and lower values in summer aided by favorable dispersion conditions. The AQI improved significantly, decreasing by approximately 39.4 % from 6.44 to 3.90. Coastal cities exhibited better air quality than inland areas, influenced by industrial activities and geographical features. For instance, Zibo's geography restricts pollutant dispersion, resulting in poor air quality. CO levels remained stable, while O3 increased seasonally due to photochemical reactions in summer, with correlation coefficients indicating a strong positive correlation with temperature (r = 0.65). Winter saw elevated NO2 levels linked to heating and vehicular emissions, with an observed increase in correlation with AQI (r = 0.78). PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations were higher in colder months due to heating and atmospheric dust, showing a significant decrease of 45 % and 40 %, respectively, over the study period. Predictive modeling forecasts continued air quality improvements, contingent on sustained policy enforcement and technological advancements. This approach provides a comprehensive framework for future air quality management and improvement.

Risks of bleeding and thromboembolic events in patients undergoing colonoscopy on uninterrupted and interrupted anticoagulant therapy in real-world setting.

BACKGROUND: Although anticoagulants may potentially increase the risk of post-colonoscopy bleeding events, temporary discontinuation of medications could elevate the risk of thromboembolism (TE). There is a paucity of data regarding the incidence of bleeding and TE events in patients undergoing colonoscopy while on uninterrupted or interrupted anticoagulant therapy. Therefore, we aimed to ascertain the risks of post-colonoscopy TE and bleeding in patients with continuous or interrupted use of anticoagulant agents. METHODS: The electronic databases of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane library were comprehensively searched from inception to March 15, 2024. We identified studies reporting the incidence of bleeding and TE events in patients undergoing colonoscopy with uninterrupted or interrupted anticoagulant therapy. The pooled incidence rate of bleeding and TE events was estimated using a random-effects model. RESULTS: This study included a total of 15 studies involving 63, 017 patients. Overall, the incidence of post-procedural bleeding for uninterrupted and interrupted direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) was found to be 3.60 % (95 % CI: 1.60 %-5.60 %), and 0.90 % (95 % CI: 0.10 %-10.30 %), respectively. Subgroup analysis revealed that older age patients (≥65 years) had a significantly higher rate of bleeding with uninterrupted DOACs therapy compared to younger age patients (< 65 years) (7.20 % vs. 2.00 %). The highest rate of bleeding was observed in Asia (7.20 %, 95 % CI: 2.20 %-12.10 %). Similarly, the risk of bleeding was significantly increased among patients interrupting DOACs therapy in Asia compared to North America (1.40 % vs. 0.26 %). For patients on uninterrupted and interrupted warfarin, a higher rate of bleeding events was observed in older age patients than younger age patients (4.90 % vs. 0.80 %, and 2.20 % vs. 1.70 %, respectively). Uninterrupted warfarin showed a more significant risk of bleeding in Asia (4.20 %, 95%CI: 1.90 %-6.60 %) compared to North America (1.00 %, 95%CI: 0.50 %-1.50 %). Among those who did not interrupt DOACs therapy, the incidence of TE was the lowest (0.08 %, 95%CI: 0.04 %-0.11 %). CONCLUSION: This study provides a comprehensive assessment of bleeding and TE risks in patients undergoing colonoscopy while receiving uninterrupted or interrupted anticoagulant therapy in the real-world setting. The overall incidence of post-colonoscopy bleeding and TE events is relatively low. However, the uninterrupted DOACs and warfarin are associated with an elevated risk of bleeding, particularly among elderly patients and the Asian population.

Convergent direct and indirect cortical streams shape avoidance decisions in mice via the midline thalamus.

Current concepts of corticothalamic organization in the mammalian brain are mainly based on sensory systems, with less focus on circuits for higher-order cognitive functions. In sensory systems, first-order thalamic relays are driven by subcortical inputs and modulated by cortical feedback, while higher-order relays receive strong excitatory cortical inputs. The applicability of these principles beyond sensory systems is uncertain. We investigated mouse prefronto-thalamic projections to the midline thalamus, revealing distinct top-down control. Unlike sensory systems, this pathway relies on indirect modulation via the thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN). Specifically, the prelimbic area, which influences emotional and motivated behaviors, impacts instrumental avoidance responses through direct and indirect projections to the paraventricular thalamus. Both pathways promote defensive states, but the indirect pathway via the TRN is essential for organizing avoidance decisions through disinhibition. Our findings highlight intra-thalamic circuit dynamics that integrate cortical cognitive signals and their role in shaping complex behaviors.

Mapping Adolescent Mental Well-Being - 30 PLADs, China, 2019.

What is already known about this topic?: High levels of mental well-being are linked to favorable life outcomes. Nonetheless, compared to the research on psychiatric disorders, the understanding of mental well-being among Chinese adolescents is still relatively underexplored. What is added by this report?: This report fills a significant void in the literature concerning the mental well-being of Chinese adolescents by providing updated data. This information is critical for developing evidence-based interventions and strategies aimed at improving mental well-being and addressing mental health issues among adolescents. What are the implications for public health practice?: Enhancing psychological support for vulnerable populations is essential to improve mental well-being among adolescents, reduce health disparities, and achieve global Sustainable Development Goals.

Cause-specific hazard Cox models with partly interval censoring - Penalized likelihood estimation using Gaussian quadrature.

The cause-specific hazard Cox model is widely used in analyzing competing risks survival data, and the partial likelihood method is a standard approach when survival times contain only right censoring. In practice, however, interval-censored survival times often arise, and this means the partial likelihood method is not directly applicable. Two common remedies in practice are (i) to replace each censoring interval with a single value, such as the middle point; or (ii) to redefine the event of interest, such as the time to diagnosis instead of the time to recurrence of a disease. However, the mid-point approach can cause biased parameter estimates. In this article, we develop a penalized likelihood approach to fit semi-parametric cause-specific hazard Cox models, and this method is general enough to allow left, right, and interval censoring times. Penalty functions are used to regularize the baseline hazard estimates and also to make these estimates less affected by the number and location of knots used for the estimates. We will provide asymptotic properties for the estimated parameters. A simulation study is designed to compare our method with the mid-point partial likelihood approach. We apply our method to the Aspirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) study, illustrating an application of our proposed method.

Longitudinal on-treatment circulating tumor DNA as a biomarker for real-time dynamic risk monitoring in cancer patients: The EP-SEASON study.

Recurrence risks of cancer patient can change during treatment as a result of treatment-related tumor evolution. However, biomarkers that can monitor these changes are lacking. Here, we investigated whether tracking circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) dynamics through liquid biopsy can inform real-time recurrence risk. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) provides an ideal model where cell-free Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA (cfEBV DNA), a ctDNA, can be sensitively detected. We conducted the EP-SEASON study (NCT03855020) and prospectively recruited 1,000 NPC patients undergoing per-protocol cfEBV DNA assessments at 11 time points and receiving sequential chemo-radiotherapy. Longitudinal cfEBV DNA displayed distinct patterns during neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Despite the prognostic significance of cfEBV DNA at each time point, real-time recurrence risks changed in sync with cfEBV DNA dynamics. Furthermore, we identified phenotypes of whole-course ctDNA changing dynamics associated with different survival outcomes. In conclusion, tracking longitudinal on-treatment ctDNA can forecast real-time recurrence risk, facilitating risk-adapted, individualized patient management.

Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of Fluorinated Mycocyclosin Enabled by the Engineered Cytochrome P450-Catalyzed Biaryl Coupling Reaction.

Installing fluorine atoms onto natural products holds great promise for the generation of fluorinated molecules with improved or novel pharmacological properties. The enzymatic oxidative carbon-carbon coupling reaction represents a straightforward strategy for synthesizing biaryl architectures, but the exploration of this method for producing fluorine-substituted derivatives of natural products remains elusive. Here, in this study, we report the protein engineering of cytochrome P450 from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MtCYP121) for the construction of a series of new-to-nature fluorine-substituted Mycocyclosin derivatives. This protocol takes advantage of a "hybrid" chemoenzymatic procedure consisting of tyrosine phenol lyase-catalyzed fluorotyrosine preparation from commercially available fluorophenols, intermolecular chemical condensation to give cyclodityrosines, and an engineered MtCYP121-catalyzed intramolecular biphenol coupling reaction to complete the strained macrocyclic structure. Computational mechanistic studies reveal that MtCYP121 employs Cpd I to abstract a hydrogen atom from the proximal phenolic hydroxyl group of the substrate to trigger the reaction. Then, conformational change makes the two phenolic hydroxyl groups close enough to undergo intramolecular hydrogen atom transfer with the assistance of a pocket water molecule. The final diradical coupling process completes the intramolecular C-C bond formation. The efficiency of the biaryl coupling reaction was found to be influenced by various fluorine substitutions, primarily due to the presence of distinct binding conformations.

Different fates of particulate matters driven by marine hypoxia: A case study of oxygen minimum zone in the Western Pacific.

The oxygen minimum zone (OMZ) is an important representative of marine hypoxia in the open ocean, and it is developing rapidly under the context of global warming. However, the research on OMZ in the Western Pacific is still deficient. This study focused on its basic characteristics and impact on the degradation of particulate matters in the M4 seamount of Western Pacific. The results showed that the OMZ is located at 290-1100 m, just below the high-salinity area and thermocline. The M4 seamount has a weak impact on the OMZ, and only the bottom waters contacting with the seamount have a weak decrease in dissolved oxygen (DO). With the increase of water depth, particulate nitrogen and phosphorus decrease first above and in the OMZ and then increase below the OMZ, while particulate organic carbon (POC) gradually decreases. The low-DO environment in the OMZ is not conducive to the degradation of particulate matters, which promotes the transport of particulate matters to the deep sea, and most particulate matters have the lowest degradation rate here. The waters above the OMZ have the fastest change rate of particulate matters, in which particulate organic phosphorus (POP) and particulate inorganic phosphorus (PIP) are preferentially degraded, and the degradation rate of them is significantly higher than particulate organic nitrogen (PON) and particulate inorganic nitrogen (PIN). The particulate nitrogen and phosphorus in the waters below the OMZ continue to increase, while PON/total particulate nitrogen (TPN) and POP/total particulate phosphorus (TPP) increase significantly, and the increase rate of PIN and PIP is far lower than PON and POP, indicating that the increase of organic matters in particulate matters is more significant. It is speculated that this phenomenon might be related to the input of Antarctic Bottom Water or the in-situ production by microorganisms. This study revealed the relationship between OMZ and different particulate matters, which may provide a valuable pathway for the biogeochemical effects of OMZ in the Western Pacific.

The Protective Effect of Melatonin on LPS-Induced Myocardial Injury via the Caspase-11/GSDMD Pathway.

BACKGROUND: Melatonin (MT) has been demonstrated to have cardioprotective effects. Nevertheless, the precise mechanism through which MT provides protection against the etiology of LPS-induced myocardial injury remains uncertain. In this investigation, our objective was to explore the impact of MT on LPS-induced myocardial injury in an in vitro setting. METHODS: H9C2 cells were categorized into four groups: a control group (H9C2 group), an MT group, an LPS group, and an MT + LPS group. The H9C2 group received treatment with sterile saline solution, the LPS group was exposed to 5 µg/mL LPS for 24 hours, the MT + LPS group underwent pretreatment with 150 µmol/L MT for 2 hours, followed by exposure to 5 µg/mL LPS for 24 hours, and the MT group received only 150 µmol/L MT for 2 hours. Cell viability and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release were assessed using the CCK-8 assay and LDH activity assay, respectively. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were quantified in each group of cells, and the percentage of propidium iodide (PI)-stained apoptotic cells was determined by flow cytometry. The mRNA levels of caspase11, GSDMD, and IL-18 in each group of cells were quantified. RESULTS: MT treatment significantly protected H9C2 cells from LPS-induced damage, as evidenced by decreased LDH release. LPS treatment markedly increased ROS levels in H9C2 cells, which were subsequently reduced by MT. LPS caused a substantial decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and a significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, while MT treatment significantly reversed these effects. Additionally, MT markedly enhanced the proportion of viable H9C2 cells compared to LPS-treated controls, as evidenced by the PI staining assay. LPS upregulated both mRNA levels and protein levels of IL-18 in H9C2 cells. However, MT treatment effectively mitigated this LPS-induced increase. Furthermore, MT significantly decreased LPS-induced protein levels of cleaved-caspase 11 and GSDMD-N in H9C2 cells. CONCLUSION: Overall, our findings suggest that MT inhibits the Caspase11-GSDMD signaling pathway via pyroptosis-related proteins (caspase-11 and GSDMD-N) and reduces the expression of inflammation-related cytokines (IL-18), thereby exerting a protective effect on H9C2 cells after LPS injury.

Identifying patterns of sexual behaviors and PrEP uptake characteristics among MSM who were eligible for PrEP: A national cross-section study.

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at a high risk of HIV infection and should be offered effective preventive measures, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). However, PrEP uptake among eligible MSM was not as high as desired. Diverse research findings on how risky sexual behaviors affect PrEP uptake highlight the necessity for a comprehensive investigation. Understanding the interconnectedness of different sexual behaviors is crucial for evaluating their impact on PrEP uptake among eligible MSM. Using a proportional sampling method, we recruited 5877 MSM aged 16 years and above in mainland China according to PrEP eligibility criteria. Through latent class analysis (LCA), three distinct sexual behavior patterns were identified among eligible MSM. Demographic variances and PrEP uptake among the three distinct sexual behavior patterns were examined using chi-squared tests and multinomial logistic regression. LCA revealed three patterns: low-risk (4,815 MSM), medium-risk (516 MSM), and high-risk (546 MSM). MSM aged 25 years or older with a monthly income of ≥¥8,000 were more likely to be in the medium-risk group. Those from areas with high HIV prevalence and engaging as "top" in anal sex were more likely to be in the medium- and high-risk groups. The medium- and high-risk groups had a higher willingness, uptake, and adherence rates for PrEP than the low-risk group. LCA is effective in identifying diverse sexual behavior patterns among MSM, aiding targeted interventions to enhance PrEP uptake. Addressing demographic variations and tailoring interventions for specific risk groups are crucial for promoting PrEP dissemination and reducing HIV infection risk in eligible MSM.

Misdiagnosed Meckel's diverticulum with internal hernia mimicking appendicitis: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Meckel's diverticulum is a common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract, with a higher incidence rate in children under 7 years old. The condition is characteristically asymptomatic but may become a clinical concern when complications such as intestinal obstruction, bleeding, perforation, or diverticulitis precipitate acute abdominal presentations. CASE SUMMARY: This report describes the case of a middle-aged man initially suspected of having acute appendicitis, which rapidly progressed to acute peritonitis with concomitant intestinal obstruction observed during preoperative assessment. Surgical exploration confirmed the diagnosis of Meckel's diverticulum-induced internal hernia, accompanied by intestinal obstruction and necrosis. In addition, the hernial ring base exhibited entrapment resembling a surgical knot. CONCLUSION: Meckel's diverticulum is a rare cause of small bowel obstruction in adults, and it should be considered in a differential diagnosis.

Improvement and exacerbation of multiple disparities in sexually transmitted infections among children and adolescents aged 6-22 years: An analysis of national surveillance data from 2013 to 2021.

To investigate the progress of disparities in human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), gonorrhea, and syphilis among children and adolescents aged 6-22 years in China during 2013-2021. A total of 614 325 cases data were extracted from the Chinese Information System for Infectious Diseases Control and Prevention during 2013-2021. Puberty health education data were drew from the Student Health Surveillance in 2021. Disparity patterns and average annual percentage changes (AAPCs) in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) incidence or new cases in China were examined using descriptive statistics and joinpoint regression. The incidence across 345 cities was stratified by gross domestic product (GDP). Between 2013 and 2021, there were 614 325 reported cases of HIV/AIDS, gonorrhea, and syphilis among children and adolescents aged 6-22, with an annual average incidence of 24.0967 per 100 000. The expansion of HIV/AIDS has halted, yet the surge in gonorrhea and syphilis remains notably pronounced. The ratio of male to female AIDS incidence increased from 2.75 (2.60, 2.90) to 7.13 (6.68, 7.62), but that of syphilis changed from 0.33 (0.32, 0.34) to 0.56 (0.55, 0.57). Students and out-of-school individuals aged 13-15 experienced a notably high increase in STI cases, surpassing other age groups, with an average annual percentage increase of 29.2% and 26.3%, respectively. Nonstudents consistently had a higher incidence rate than students, with an IRR reaching 31.80 (31.24, 32.37) in 2021. A noticeable clustering pattern of new cases emerged in the southeastern region of the Heihe-Tengchong line, extending inland from the coastal areas. Districts and counties with lower rates of puberty sexual health education tended to have higher average STI incidence rates. At the prefecture and city levels, there was a noticeable upward trend on average STI incidence rates in cities with per capita GDPs. Strategies to address those disparities include promoting equitable health education, and widespread sexual health education, particularly in areas with limited access to education and experiencing rapid economic development. The effectiveness of sexual health education intervention needs to be further evaluated in well-designed studies.

Determinants of Perceived Comfort: Multi-Dimensional Thinking in Smart Bedding Design.

Sleep quality is an important issue of public concern. This study, combined with sensor application, aims to explore the determinants of perceived comfort when using smart bedding to provide empirical evidence for improving sleep quality. This study was conducted in a standard sleep laboratory in Quanzhou, China, from March to April of 2023. Perceived comfort was evaluated using the Subjective Lying Comfort Evaluation on a seven-point rating scale, and body pressure distribution was measured using a pressure sensor. Correlation analysis was employed to analyze the relationship between perceived comfort and body pressure, and multiple linear regression was used to identify the factors of perceived comfort. The results showed that body pressure was partially correlated with perceived comfort, and sleep posture significantly influenced perceived comfort. In addition, height, weight, and body mass index are common factors that influence comfort. The findings highlight the importance of optimizing the angular range of boards based on their comfort performance to adjust sleeping posture and equalize pressure distribution. Future research should consider aspects related to the special needs of different populations (such as height and weight), as well as whether users are elderly and whether they have particular diseases. The design optimization of the bed board division and mattress softness, based on traditional smart bedding, can improve comfort and its effectiveness in reducing health risks and enhancing health status.

Construction of an S-scheme electron transfer channel in Cu0/CuFe2O4 magnetic plate column reactor for the LEV degradation: New strategy of visible Photo-Fenton system application.

The complicated loading process and easy falling off of powder catalysts still restrict the wide application of Photo-Fenton technology in practical water treatment. In this study, a magnetic fixed film plate column water treatment equipment is designed as a visible Photo-Fenton reactor to remove levofloxacin (LEV). The effect of magnetic force can ensure that the catalyst is firmly fixed, and the multi-level shallow column plate structure achieves full contact and efficient reaction between the catalyst and wastewater. Simultaneously, the Cu0/CuFe2O4 (STCCF) utilizes Cu0 to construct an S-scheme electron transfer channel, which improves the separation efficiency of photo-generated carriers and provides sufficient photo-generated electrons for the reduction of Fe (Ⅲ) and Cu (Ⅱ). The pseudo-first-order reaction kinetic constant k for the degradation of LEV in the visible Photo-Fenton system is 0.0349 min-1, which is 15.9 times that of the photocatalytic system and 4.8 times that of the Fenton system. After continuous operation for 72 h, the magnetic fixed film plate column reactor can still remove more than 90 % of LEV and 82 % of COD in the secondary effluent of simulated antibiotic pharmaceutical wastewater treatment process, and the effluent is stable and meets the standard. The magnetic fixed film plate column reactor can be used for advanced treatment of antibiotic pharmaceutical wastewater. This study provides a new insight into the application of the Photo-Fenton process.

Transcriptomic analysis of reproductive organs of pregnant mice post toxoplasma gondii infection reveals the potential factors that contribute to poor prognosis.

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite of phylum Apicomplexa that poses a huge threat to pregnant hosts, and induces tragic outcomes for pregnant hosts, fetuses and newborns. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the tragic consequences caused by T. gondii remains to be revealed. In the present study, we applied RNA-seq to study the transcriptomic landscape of the whole reproductive organ of pregnant mice post T. gondii infection, aiming to reveal the key altered biological characters of reproductive organs of pregnant mice that could contribute to the tragic outcomes caused by T. gondii infection. The results of the present study showed that the transcriptome of reproductive organs of pregnant mice was significantly altered by T. gondii infection. A total of 2,598 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, including 1,449 upregulated genes and 1,149 downregulated genes. Enrichment analysis of the DEGs showed that the significantly altered features of reproductive organs of pregnant mice were excessive inflammatory responses, downregulated metabolism processes, and congenital diseases. The chemotaxis of immune cells in the reproductive organs of infected pregnant mice could also be reshaped by 19 differentially expressed chemokines and 6 differentially expressed chemokine receptors that could contribute to the damages of reproductive organ in pregnant mice. Overall, the findings of present study may help to understand the pathogenic mechanism of the acute T. gondii infection in reproductive organs of pregnant mice, and it could also help to improve toxoplasmosis therapeutics for pregnant individuals.

The stray light induced redshift of absorption peaks of inorganic anions in the far ultraviolet region-an "artifact".

In the analytical process of spectrophotometry, the prerequisite for accurate qualitative and quantitative analysis is obtaining the intrinsic spectra of the analyte. However, the intrinsic properties of spectra can sometimes be masked by easily overlooked non-intrinsic factors, such as those from measuring instruments, leading to erroneous spectral identification. In this study, we documented an unusual redshift phenomenon in the far ultraviolet spectral region. With a spectrophotometer under the nitrogen atmosphere, we selected 14 representative inorganic anions and investigated their absorption spectral behaviors at different optical pathlengths and concentrations. It was intriguing to observe that the absorption peaks with maximum absorption wavelengths below a watershed wavelength of 200 nm underwent a redshift as pathlength and concentration increased, while those above 200 nm did not exhibit a significant redshift phenomenon. In-depth formula simulations and experimental verifications demonstrated that this peculiar spectral behavior was caused by unavoidable stray light in the spectrophotometer. Some methodological and instrumental recommendations are given in the paper. Our study results may serve as a reminder to carefully identify non-intrinsic phenomena when studying absorption spectra in the far ultraviolet region, and provide guidance on spectral corrections in scientific research and practical applications.

Influential factors associated with core competencies of diabetes specialist nurses and correlation with self-directed learning ability: A cross-sectional study.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the current status of the core competencies and self-directed learning ability of diabetes specialist nurses and to explore the relationship between these core competencies and their self-directed learning ability. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey design was used. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted via a web-based questionnaire platform in China from January 14 to April 24, 2023. The survey included a general information questionnaire, a diabetes specialist nurses' core competencies self-assessment scale, and a nursing staff's self-directed learning ability evaluation scale. The data was collected online. Descriptive, correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted using SPSS 26.0 software. RESULTS: 118 diabetes specialist nurses from 11 cities participated in this study. A positive correlation was observed between the core competencies of diabetes specialist nurses and their self-directed learning ability. The characteristics affecting the core competencies of diabetes specialist nurses included age, participation in external learning and communication and self-directed learning. CONCLUSIONS: The training of diabetes specialist nurses can focus on core competencies, and the ability to self-direct learning can be used as an entry point to customize feasible theoretical and practical courses. The training system can further improve diabetes specialist nurses' core competencies and self-directed learning abilities. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: A reference can be established that nursing managers and nursing educators can use to develop training programs for specialist nurses by validating the link between their core competencies and self-directed learning skills. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Participants were involved solely in the data collection process. No participant contributions were required for the study's design, outcome measurement or implementation.