Spatial-temporal characteristics and driving factors' contribution and evolution of agricultural non-CO2 greenhouse gas emissions in China: 1995-2021.

Comprehending the spatial-temporal characteristics, contributions, and evolution of driving factors in agricultural non-CO2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at a macro level is pivotal in pursuing temperature control objectives and achieving China's strategic goals related to carbon peak and carbon neutrality. This study employs the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) carbon emissions coefficient method to comprehensively evaluate agricultural non-CO2 GHG emissions at the provincial level. Subsequently, the contributions and spatial-temporal evolution of six driving factors derived from the Kaya identity were quantitatively explored using the Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) and Geographical and Temporal Weighted Regression (GTWR) methods. The results revealed that the distribution of agricultural non-CO2 GHG emissions is shifting from the central provinces to the northwest regions. Moreover, the dominant driving factors of agricultural non-CO2 GHG emissions were primarily economic factor (EDL) with positive impact (cumulative promotion is 2939.61 million metric tons (Mt)), alongside agricultural production efficiency factor (EI) with negative impact (cumulative reduction is 2208.98 Mt). Influence of EDL diminished in the eastern coastal regions but significantly impacted underdeveloped regions such as the northwest and southwest. In the eastern coastal regions, EI gradually became the absolute dominant driver, demonstrating a rapid reduction effect. Additionally, a declining birth rate and rural-to-urban population migration have significantly amplified the driving effects of the population factor (RP) at a national scale. These findings, in conjunction with the disparities in geographic and socioeconomic development among provinces, can serve as a guiding framework for the development of a region-specific roadmap aimed at reducing agricultural non-CO2 GHG emissions.

The preparation, characterization, and application of porous core-shell composite particles produced with laboratory-scale spray dryer.

OBJECTIVE: To prepare porous core-shell composite particles (PCPs) in order to improve the flowability and compactibility of powder materials for direct compaction (DC), as well as the dissolution of tablets. SIGNIFICANCE: The results obtained are meaningful to boosting the development and further research of PCPs on DC. Methods: In this study, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC E3) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP K30) were selected as shell materials, the Xiao Er Xi Shi formulation powder (XEXS) was used as the core materials, ammonium bicarbonate (NH4HCO3), and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) were employed as pore-forming agent. Using co-spray drying method to prepare composite particles (CPs). Then, the physical properties and comparison between different CPs were characterized comprehensively. Finally, the different CPs were directly compacted as tablets to explore the effect on the dissolution behavior of DC tablets, respectively. RESULTS: (i) The XEXS PCPs were prepared successfully by co-spray drying, and the yield of PCPs is almost 80%; (ii) The TS values of PCP-X-P-Na, PCP-X-P-NH4, PCP-X-H-Na and PCP-X-P-Na were 5.70, 7.56, 3.98, and 6.88 times higher than that of raw material (X); (iii) The disintegration time of PCPs tablets decreased 10-25% when compared with CPs tablets; (iv) The values of Carr's index (CI), Hausner ratio (HR), Caking strength (CS), and Cohesion index (CoI) of PCP-X-H-NH4 were 19.16%, 19.29%, 40.14%, and 6.39% lower than that of X, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The PCPs prepared by co-spray drying did improve the flowability and compactibility of powder, as well as the dissolution of tablets.

Chrysanthemum sporopollenin: A novel vaccine delivery system for nasal mucosal immunity.

Objective: Mucosal immunization was an effective defender against pathogens. Nasal vaccines could activate both systemic and mucosal immunity to trigger protective immune responses. However, due to the weak immunogenicity of nasal vaccines and the lack of appropriate antigen carriers, very few nasal vaccines have been clinically approved for human use, which was a major barrier to the development of nasal vaccines. Plant-derived adjuvants are promising candidates for vaccine delivery systems due to their relatively safe immunogenic properties. In particular, the distinctive structure of pollen was beneficial to the stability and retention of antigen in the nasal mucosa. Methods: Herein, a novel wild-type chrysanthemum sporopollenin vaccine delivery system loaded with a w/o/w emulsion containing squalane and protein antigen was fabricated. The unique internal cavities and the rigid external walls within the sporopollenin skeleton construction could preserve and stabilize the inner proteins. The external morphological characteristics were suitable for nasal mucosal administration with high adhesion and retention. Results: Secretory IgA antibodies in the nasal mucosa can be induced by the w/o/w emulsion with the chrysanthemum sporopollenin vaccine delivery system. Moreover, the nasal adjuvants produce a stronger humoral response (IgA and IgG) compared to squalene emulsion adjuvant. Mucosal adjuvant benefited primarily from prolongation of antigens in the nasal cavity, improvement of antigen penetration in the submucosa and promotion of CD8+ T cells in spleen. Disccusion: Based on effective delivering both the adjuvant and the antigen, the increase of protein antigen stability and the realization of mucosal retention, the chrysanthemum sporopollenin vaccine delivery system has the potential to be a promising adjuvant platform. This work provide a novel idea for the fabrication of protein-mucosal delivery vaccine.

Synthesis and insecticidal activities of 4-(propargyloxy) benzenesulfonamide derivatives.

A series of 4-(propargyloxy) benzenesulfonamide derivatives with different substituents on the benzene ring were synthesized and evaluated for their insecticidal activity. Some of the compounds showed good insecticidal activity against Mythimna separata, and the LC50 value of the most active compound B2.5 was 0.235 mg/ml. Ultrastructural changes in the midgut epithelial cells of Mythimna separata were observed using transmission electron microscopy, and severe structural damage was found in microvilli, mitochondria and rough endoplasmic reticulum. It indicates that the possible site of action of these benzenesulfonamides is the cytoplasmic membrane and endomembrane system of the midgut epithelial cells. The above provides a basis for the development of novel insecticidal active compounds with a novel mechanism of action.

Design, Synthesis, Insecticidal Activities and Molecular Docking of Sulfonamide Derivatives Containing Propargyloxy or Pyridine Groups.

The discovery of new highly active molecules from natural products is a common method to create new pesticides. Celangulin V targeting Mythimna separate (M. separate) midgut V-ATPase  H subunit, has received considerable attention for its excellent insecticidal activity and unique mechanism of action. Therefore, combined with our preliminary work, thirty-seven sulfonamide derivatives bearing propargyloxy or pyridine groups were systematically synthesized to search for insecticidal candidate compounds with low cost and high efficiency on the  H subunit of V-ATPase. Bioactive results showed that compounds A2-A4 and A6-A7 exhibited a better bioactivity with median effective concentration (LC50 ) values (2.78, 3.11, 3.34, 3.54 and 2.48 mg/mL, respectively) against third-instar larvae of M. separate than Celangulin V (LC50 =18.1 mg/mL). Additionally, molecular docking experiments indicated that these molecules may act on the H subunit of V-ATPase. Based on the above results, these compounds provide new ideas for the discovery of insecticides.

Design, synthesis and insecticidal activities of 4-propargyloxybenzene sulfonamide derivatives substituted with amino acids.

Sixty-nine 4-propargyloxybenzene sulfonamide derivatives with different amino acids as amino substituent were synthesized and evaluated for their insecticidal activity against third-instar Mythimna separate. The bioassay results revealed that some derivatives bearing amino acid ester group performed good insecticidal activity against third-instar M.separata, such as the LC50 values of D18 and D19 were 4.28 and 2.96 mg/ml after 48 h, in particular, the LC50 of D16 was 2.38 mg/ml and the activity was improved by 14 times compared to celangulin V (34.48 mg/ml). The above results provided theoretical and experimental basis for the discovery of novel insecticidal active compounds.

Improvement and Performance Evaluation of a Dual-Probe Heat Pulse Distributed Temperature Sensing Method Used for Soil Moisture Estimation.

Large-scale measurements of soil moisture play a critical role in many fields, such as agriculture, hydrology, and engineering. The distributed temperature sensing (DTS) technology, based on a dual-probe heat pulse (DPHP), is a novel approach to realizing large-scale soil moisture estimation. However, the application of the method is limited by the complex optical cable layout, calculation algorithm, and lack of standardized heating strategy. In this paper, an improved DPHP-DTS method considering the soil bulk density was proposed. The measurement accuracy of the DPHP-DTS method under different heating strategies was studied in laboratory experiments, and its long-term stability in regard to the monitoring of soil moisture during natural evaporation in different soils was tested. The results show that the improved DPHP-DTS method can accurately measure the soil moisture, and the fitting algorithm can reduce the error caused by the accuracy of the DTS temperature measurement under the low-power heating strategy. Its measurement accuracy increases with the increase in the heating strength and duration. In addition, the improved DPHP-DTS method can describe soil evaporation in both sand and loess with good reliability and stability.

Design, synthesis and insecticidal activity of benzenesulfonamide derivatives containing various alkynyl, alkenyl and cyclopropyl groups in para position.

Celangulin V is a natural ß-dihydrofuran sesquiterpene polyester with anti Mythimna separate activity and unique mechanism of action. Further study showed that its target was the H subunit of V-ATPase in the midgut of M. separate. Thus, combined with the previous work, thirty-two benzene sulfonamide derivatives were systematically synthesised to discover efficient and low-budget insecticidal candidates for the H subunit of V-ATPase. Screening results showed that compounds C2, C4, C5, C6 and C8 could significantly cause death of tested third-instar larvae of M. separate, and provided the corresponding LC50 values of 0.844, 0.953, 0.705, 0.599 and 0.887 mg/mL, which were extremely better than Celangulin V (LC50 = 11.5 mg/mL). The docking results indicated that this novel framework might target H subunit of V-ATPase. Given these excellent bioactivity results, this kind of sulfonamide framework could provide a suitable point for exploring highly efficient insecticidal agents.

Surface Modifiers on Composite Particles for Direct Compaction.

Direct compaction (DC) is considered to be the most effective method of tablet production. However, only a small number of the active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) can be successfully manufactured into tablets using DC since most APIs lack adequate functional properties to meet DC requirements. The use of suitable modifiers and appropriate co-processing technologies can provide a promising approach for the preparation of composite particles with high functional properties. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview and classification of different modifiers and their multiple combinations that may improve API tableting properties or prepare composite excipients with appropriate co-processed technology, as well as discuss the corresponding modification mechanism. Moreover, it provides solutions for selecting appropriate modifiers and co-processing technologies to prepare composite particles with improved properties.

Simulation Research on Continuous Concrete Beams Reinforced with External Prestressed CFRP Tendons.

This paper examines the effects of different loading patterns on the static characteristics of continuous concrete beams reinforced with external prestressed carbon fiber-reinforced polymer tendons (EPCFRPT) and qualitatively analyzes the results for two continuous concrete beams: SB-1 under symmetrical loading, and SB-2 under asymmetrical loading. Then, a finite element analysis model is introduced and calibrated by tests conducted at Southeast University and data collected from a literature review. Based on the FEA model, the initial prestress, cross-section area, and eccentricity of CFRP tendons as well as the steel reinforcement configuration were selected by a parametric study. The results indicated that the initial prestress and tendon cross-section area had the most influence on the tendon stress increment and the secondary bending moment of the middle support, while the reinforcement distribution and eccentricity of the tendons had little effect. The secondary bending moment had a linear positive correlation with the stress increment of tendons. These results allow a simplified equation for calculating the external load bending moment amplitude coefficient at ultimate to be proposed.

[Effects of Microplastic Exposure on Crucian Growth, Liver Damage, and Gut Microbiome Composition].

Microplastics (MPs), which are widely present in the natural environment, may be harmful to the growth and health of aquatic organisms, though studies in this area are lacking. In this study, the crucian carp (Carassius carassius), a type of omnivorous freshwater fish, was chosen as the target, which was fed with fish food containing different concentrations of MPs for a 30-day food exposure experiment to study the effects of MPs on crucian growth, liver damage, and gut microbiome composition. Compared with that in the control group, the body length of the crucians in the environmental groups did not change significantly. The weight of the crucians in the low PE-MPs group increased significantly, but the weight of crucians in the medium and high PE-MPs groups decreased markedly. The liver tissues of the low PE-MPs group of crucians were basically normal, whereas crucians in the medium and high PE-MPs groups had varying degrees of liver damage, and crucians in the high PE-MPs group had the most serious liver damage. At the phylum level, Proteobacteria, Fusobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroides were the dominant species in the gut of the crucians. Pathogens such as Staphylococcus and Ralstonia were present in the crucian gut of environmental groups. Alpha diversity results showed that the gut microbiome of crucians in the high PE-MPs group was the most abundant. PCoA results indicated that the gut microbiome of crucians in the control and environmental groups had obvious clustering characteristics.

Short-term air quality forecasting model based on hybrid RF-IACA-BPNN algorithm.

Despite the apparent improvement in air quality in recent years through a series of effective measures, the concentration of PM2.5 and O3 in Chengdu city remains high. And both the two pollutants can cause serious damage to human health and property; consequently, it is imperative to accurately forecast hourly concentration of PM2.5 and O3 in advance. In this study, an air quality forecasting method based on random forest (RF) method and improved ant colony algorithm coupled with back-propagation neural network (IACA-BPNN) are proposed. RF method was used to screen out highly correlated input variables, and the improved ant colony algorithm (IACA) was adopted to combine with BPNN to improve the convergence performance. Two datasets based on two different kinds of monitoring stations along with meteorological data were applied to verify the performance of this proposed model and compared with another five plain models. The results showed that the RF-IACA-BPNN model has the minimum statistical error of the mean absolute error, root mean square error, and mean absolute percentage error, and the values of R2 consistently outperform other models. Thus, it is concluded that the proposed model is suitable for air quality prediction. It was also detected that the performance of the models for the forecasting of the hourly concentrations of PM2.5 were more acceptable at suburban station than downtown station, while the case is just the opposite for O3, on account of the low variability dataset at suburban station.

Design, synthesis, and insecticidal activities of propargyloxy-naphthalene-sulfonamide derivatives.

In our previous studies, a kind of novel benzenesulfonamides was found to be a candidate insecticidal compounds. It was shown that propargyloxy and sulfonamide groups are pharmacodynamic groups. One hundred and twenty-six (126) naphthalenesulfonamides derivatives with propargyloxy functionality were designed and synthesized, and their insecticidal activities were determined. Some of them showed outstanding activity, with LC50 values as low as 0.202 mg ml-1, much lower than that of the positive control celangulin V (23.9 mg ml-1). In addition, the structure-activity relationships were discussed, and molecular docking was used to verify the binding mode of the compound and the target receptor.

Pgc-1α Promotes Phosphorylation, Inflammation, and Apoptosis in H9c2 Cells During the Early Stage of Lipopolysaccharide Induction.

Cardiac dysfunction in severe sepsis is associated with increased mortality. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying septic heart dysfunction remain unclear. Expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1α (Pgc-1α), concentrations of inflammatory factors, and activation of the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway were examined in H9c2 cells after a 24-h lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation period using qPCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), and western blots (WBs), respectively. Pgc-1α was overexpressed and suppressed in cells using a lentivirus vector and siRNA, respectively. The effects of Pgc-1α dysfunction on the release of inflammatory factors and apoptosis were analyzed. Pgc-1α expression was increased after LPS induction for 0.5 h and returned to the pre-induction level at 2 h. Levels of IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α increase after LPS induction for 0.5 h and accumulated in the culture supernatants over time. The WBs revealed the highest Pgc-1α and phospho (p)-p65 protein levels after LPS induction for 0.5 h, followed by a decrease; moreover, the cleaved-caspase-3 level increased after LPS induction for 0.5 h and increased gradually thereafter. A functional analysis of Pgc-1α revealed that overexpression of this protein enhanced LPS-induced inflammatory factors and p-p65 levels and inhibited apoptosis during the early stage after LPS induction (0.5 and 4 h). In contrast, the inhibition of Pgc-1α expression inhibited the LPS expression-associated increases in inflammatory factors and p-p65 and promoted apoptosis. Pgc-1α promoted LPS-induced p65 phosphorylation and inflammatory factor release while inhibiting apoptosis.

Prevalence of burnout in mental health nurses in China: A meta-analysis of observational studies.

OBJECTIVE: Burnout is common in mental health nurses because of work-related stress. Burnout has a negative impact on nurses' health and work performance. The prevalence of high burnout in mental health nurses has been inconclusive across studies. This meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of high burnout in mental health nurses in China. METHODS: Electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, CNKI, WanFang and SinoMed) were independently and systematically searched from their commencement date up to 14 May 2018. Studies that reported the prevalence of any of the 3 burnout dimensions (high Emotional Exhaustion (EE), Depersonalization (DP), and low Personal Accomplishment (PA)) as measured by the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) were included and analyzed using the random-effects model. RESULTS: A total of 19 studies were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of high EE was 28.1% (95% CI: 20.4-35.8%), DP was 25.4% (18.1-32.6%) and low PA was 39.7% (28.3-51.1%). Subgroup analyses found that short working experience, use of MBI-Human Services Survey (HSS), and younger age had moderating effects on prevalence of high burnout. CONCLUSIONS: Burnout is common in mental health nurses in China. Considering its negative impact on health and work performance, regular screening, preventive measures and effective interventions should be implemented.

Assessment of inflammatory markers and mitochondrial factors in a rat model of sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction.

The present study aimed to investigate the expression of inflammatory markers and mitochondrial function-related genes, as well as their temporal relationship with cardiac myocyte injury in a rat model of sepsis. The sepsis model was constructed using cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Two hours after CLP, the levels of inflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]-1ß, IL-6, and TNFα) and myocardial function markers (serum brain natriuretic peptide [BNP], cardiac troponin-I [cTNI], and procalcitonin [PCT]) were increased significantly, falling from around 9 hours postoperatively. The concentration of nitric oxide (NO) in the heart tissue was increased 6 hours after CLP. The heart rate (HR) of rats that underwent CLP decreased 2 hours after surgery and then increased to above-normal values. The left ventricular short axis shortening (FS) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were decreased at 2 hours postoperatively and reached a minima at 6 hours. Stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO), and changes and heart index (CI) results indicated myocardial dysfunction. Western blot analysis demonstrated the increased expression of mitochondrial function-related proteins and activation of mitochondrial apoptotic pathways. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assays revealed that the proportion of proapoptotic cells was significantly higher in rats that underwent CLP than sham surgery at 2 to 24 hours postoperatively. Taken together, our results indicate that-in the rat model-CLP-induced sepsis leads to impaired cardiac function. Furthermore, induction of the expression of mitochondrial function-related genes indicated that myocardial cell mitochondrial function was disrupted, further aggravating cardiomyocyte apoptosis. These results provide a theoretical basis for the treatment of sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction.

Obesity increases the risk of depression in children and adolescents: Results from a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Clinical depression (including major depression, dysthymia, and unspecified depression) is common in children and adolescents with obesity and overweight. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine prevalence of clinical depression among overweight and obese children. METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Medline, Cochrane library, and PsycINFO databases were systematically and independently searched by three researchers from the inception dates to April 01, 2019. The fixed-effects model was used to perform meta-analysis. Data analyses were performed with STATA Version 12.0. RESULTS: Eleven studies with 69,893 subjects were included; 5 studies examined major depressive disorder (MDD), while the remaining 6 studies examined other types of clinical depression. In the overweight and obese group, the prevalence of clinical depression ranged from 1.7% to 26.7% in obese subjects and from 4.0% to 16.9% in overweight subjects. In studies on MDD, prevalence ranged from 10.1% to 26.7% in obese subjects and from 9.0% to 16.9% in overweight subjects. The odd ratios (ORs) of clinical depression ranged from 0.92 to 4.39 between obese subjects and healthy controls (i.e., normal-weight controls), and ranged from 0.96 to 1.67 between overweight subjects and controls. Compared to healthy controls, obese (OR = 1.851, 95% CI: 1.410-2.429) but not overweight (OR = 1.068, 95% CI: 0.889-1.283) children and adolescents were more likely to have MDD. CONCLUSION: Obese children and adolescents had a significantly higher risk for MDD compared with healthy controls. Considering the negative health outcomes of depression, regular screening and effective treatments should be implemented for obese children and adolescents.

Antifungal, anti-inflamatory and neuritogenic activity of newly-isolated compounds from Disporopsis aspersa.

A new ester (1) and a terpenoid (2) were isolated from the dried whole plant of Disporopsis aspersa (HUA) ENGL. ex DIELS for the first time and their structures were elucidated, as well as their biological activities are described. The two compounds all showed good antifungal activities, especially furanone (2) exhibited better antifungal activity against Pseudoperonospora cubensis and Phytophthora infestans with EC50 value of 22.82, 18.90 µg/mL, respectively. Compound 1 exhibited a significant promotion on the neurite outgrowth in NGF-induced PC-12 cells, and moderate inhibition on the NO production induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in BV-2 microglial cells.

Prevalence of smoking in nursing students worldwide: A meta-analysis of observational studies.

BACKGROUND: Smoking is common among nursing students worldwide, but the reported prevalence is inconsistent across epidemiological studies. This is a meta-analysis of the prevalence of smoking in nursing students worldwide. DESIGN: Meta-analysis of observational studies. SAMPLE: A total of 46 studies were included in this meta-analysis. METHOD: Electronic databases (PubMed, Medline, PsycINFO, EMBASE and Web of science) were independently and systematically searched by two investigators from their commencement date up to 12 May 2018. Studies that reported the smoking rate of nursing students were included and analyzed using random-effects model. RESULTS: The pooled prevalence of current smoking was 26.6% (95% CI: 22.9-30.4%), while pooled prevalence of previous smoking was 15.5% (95% CI: 11.8-19.3%). Subgroup analyses showed that smoking rate was higher in male compared with female students (39% vs 25.2%, P < .001), while survey time, sample size, age, study design and academic year did not moderate the smoking rate (all P > .05). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis confirmed that smoking is common in nursing students. Considering the negative impact of smoking on health, appropriate smoking cessation measures for nursing students should be developed.

Prevalence of depressive symptoms in overweight and obese children and adolescents in mainland China: A meta-analysis of comparative studies and epidemiological surveys.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is associated with a higher risk of depression in children and adolescents. This is a meta-analysis of studies examining depressive symptoms in overweight and obese children and adolescents in China. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed independently in both English (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Medline Complete) and Chinese (China National Knowledge Internet, WANFANG Data and WeiPu VIP) databases from their commencement date to December 31, 2018. The pooled prevalence of depressive symptoms was calculated using a random-effects model. Data analyses were performed with STATA Version 12.0, R Version 3.3.0 and R Studio Version 0.99.903. RESULTS: Twenty-two epidemiological and 18 comparative studies were included in the meta-analysis. The overall prevalence of depressive symptoms was 24.02% (95% CI: 15.92%-33.16%) in obese children and adolescents and 22.61% (95% CI: 14.87%-31.34%) in overweigh children and adolescents. Obese children and adolescents were more likely to suffer from depressive symptoms (OR = 1.877, 95% CI: 1.459-2.415, P < 0.001) than their non-obese counterparts. The use of different screening scales for depressive symptoms was significantly associated with the prevalence of depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Depressive symptoms are common in overweight and obese children and adolescents in China. Obese, but not overweight children and adolescents had higher risk of depressive symptoms. In order to lessen the risk of depressive symptoms, regular screening and effective interventions should be implemented to reduce obesity and overweight in this population.