Spatial confinement: An effective strategy to improve H2O and SO2 resistance of the expandable graphite-modified TiO2-supported Pt nanocatalysts for CO oxidation.

The expandable graphite (EG) modified TiO2 nanocomposites were prepared by the high shear method using the TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) and EG as precursors, in which the amount of EG doped in TiO2 was 10 wt.%. Followed by the impregnation method, adjusting the pH of the solution to 10, and using the electrostatic adsorption to achieve spatial confinement, the Pt elements were mainly distributed on the exposed TiO2, thus generating the Pt/10EG-TiO2-10 catalyst. The best CO oxidation activity with the excellent resistance to H2O and SO2 was obtained over the Pt/10EG-TiO2-10 catalyst: CO conversion after 36 hr of the reaction was ca. 85% under the harsh condition of 10 vol.% H2O and 100 ppm SO2 at a high gaseous hourly space velocity (GHSV) of 400,000 hr-1. Physicochemical properties of the catalysts were characterized by various techniques. The results showed that the electrostatic adsorption, which riveted the Pt elements mainly on the exposed TiO2 of the support surface, reduced the dispersion of Pt NPs on EG and achieved the effective dispersion of Pt NPs, hence significantly improving CO oxidation activity over the Pt/10EG-TiO2-10 catalyst. The 10 wt.% EG doped in TiO2 caused the TiO2 support to form a more hydrophobic surface, which reduced the adsorption of H2O and SO2 on the catalyst, greatly inhibited deposition of the TiOSO4 and formation of the PtSO4 species as well as suppressed the oxidation of SO2, thus resulting in an improvement in the resistance to H2O and SO2 of the Pt/10EG-TiO2-10 catalyst.

Predictive utility of a combination of the modified caprini risk assessment score and D-dimer for the evaluation and management of lower extremity venous thrombosis after lung cancer surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine the utility of a combination of the modified Caprini score and D-dimer levels for the evaluation and management of lower extremity venous thrombosis following lung cancer surgery. The purpose was to offer insights for developing clinical intervention programs. METHODS: The study sample consisted of 224 patients who underwent surgery for lung cancer at the First Central Hospital of Baoding City. General patient data and D-dimer levels on the first day post-surgery were collected. The modified Caprini risk assessment score was calculated. All patients underwent ultrasonography of the lower limb veins before and after surgery to identify venous thrombosis in the lower limb veins. Differences in lower extremity venous thrombosis and D-dimer levels among patients in various modified Caprini score groups were compared and analyzed. RESULTS: Based on the modified Caprini risk assessment score, all patients were categorized into three groups: the low-risk, medium-risk, and high-risk groups. The groups did not differ significantly in terms of age, but the differences in the rates of lower extremity venous thrombosis in the low, intermediate, and high-risk Caprini risk groups (16.5%, 19.2%, and 37.1%, respectively) were statistically significant. Out of the total 224 patients, 47 (21%) were diagnosed with venous thromboembolisms post-surgery, and all of them had thrombosis of the intermuscular veins of the lower extremity. The difference in the modified Caprini risk assessment score between patients with and without lower extremity venous thrombosis was statistically significant (P = 0.035), as were the postoperative D-dimer levels (1.28 ± 1.64 vs. 2.69 ± 2.77, respectively; P < 0.05) between these two groups of patients. The modified Caprini risk assessment score showed an association with lower extremity venous thrombosis (r = 0.15, P = 0.56) with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.59. CONCLUSION: In this study, we found that combining the modified Caprini risk assessment score with D-dimer measurements enhanced the accuracy of assessing the severity of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This combination can be beneficial in evaluating thrombosis risk post-lung cancer surgery and holds significant clinical utility.

Dual-emissive luminescence in OIHMH single crystals: tunable red-green emissions via Mn2+ doping and theoretical insights.

The burgeoning demand for materials with tunable photoluminescence properties for applications has necessitated the exploration of novel luminescent materials. This study presents the synthesis and characterization of a novel 0D organic-inorganic hybrid metal halide (OIHMH) single crystal, C6H14N2CdBr4, which exhibits intriguing luminescent properties upon Mn2+ doping. The introduction of single Mn2+ ions results in a dual-emission, with the unexpected emergence of a red emission peak at 627 nm, in addition to the conventional tetrahedral green emission at 525 nm. This dual-emission is attributed to the distinct inter-tetrahedral distances within the crystal structure of C6H14N2CdBr4 with varying distances between [CdBr4]2- tetrahedra, influencing the spatial distribution and interaction of the [MnBr4]2- tetrahedra. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and theoretical calculations reveal the 627 nm and 525 nm emissions are attributed to the d-d transition of magnetic coupled Mn2+-Mn2+ pairs and isolated Mn2+ ions, respectively. This study not only advances the understanding of the luminescence mechanisms of Mn2+ but also paves the way for the development of tunable luminescent materials.

NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase involved in the lambda-cyhalothrin susceptibility on the green mirid bug Apolygus lucorum.

NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR) is crucial for the detoxification process catalysed by cytochrome P450, which targets various exogenous xenobiotics, as well as pesticides. In our research, we successfully obtained the complete cDNA sequence of Apolygus lucorum's CPR (AlCPR) using reverse transcription PCR along with rapid amplification of cDNA ends technology. Bioinformatics analysis exhibited that the inferred amino acid sequence of AlCPR is characteristic of standard CPRs, featuring an N-terminal membrane anchor and three conserved FMN, FAD and NADP binding sites. Phylogenetic result revealed that AlCPR was positioned within the Hemiptera cluster, showing a close evolutionary relationship with the CPR of Cimex lectularius. The real-time quantitative PCR results demonstrated widespread expression of AlCPR across various life stages and tissues of A. lucorum, with the most prominent expression in adults and the abdominal region. Injecting double-stranded RNA of AlCPR only significantly increased the lambda-cyhalothrin susceptibility in lambda-cyhalothrin-resistant strain rather than the susceptible strain. These findings suggest a potential link between AlCPR and the P450-dependent defence mechanism against lambda-cyhalothrin in A. lucorum.

PET imaging assist investigation of HDAC6 expression change in MDD and evaluating antidepressant efficacy of a newly developed HDAC6 inhibitor.

The histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) is closely related to the pathogenesis of depression in epigenetic regulation. However, it remains unclear how HDAC6 expression changes in depression pathophysiology and whether it is a target for antidepressant treatment. Herein, we investigate the expression change of HDAC6 in major depressive disorder (MDD) and evaluate the efficacy of a novel HDAC6 inhibitor, PB200, using positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. PET imaging studies with an HDAC6 PET probe [18F]Bavarostat allied with in vitro experiments demonstrated significantly increased HDAC6 expression in the brains of MDD mice. To investigate if pharmacological inhibition of HDAC6 can exert antidepressant effects, a series of naphthyridine-based HDAC6 inhibitors were designed and synthesized, among which PB200 demonstrated high selectivity and inhibitory activity against HDAC6, favorable metabolic stability, and excellent brain uptake. Moreover, PB200 exhibited significant antidepressant effects by restoring abnormal HDAC6 expression level and alleviating neuroinflammation. These results imply that targeting HDAC6 shows promise as a therapeutic strategy for depression, and PB200 is a potential therapeutic option for treating MDD.

Control Patterning of Cyanobiphenyl Liquid Crystals for Electricity Applications.

Controlling molecular self-assembly from organic solution evaporation is an important strategy for developing many functional materials and systems. In this work, it is demonstrated that 4-octyloxy-4'-cyanobiphenyl (8OCB) liquid crystals can be patterned into well-oriented stripes with very high micrometer-scale precision using a sandwich system through a dewetting method. The preparation temperature, concentration, and surface energy are combined to control the morphology and orientation of 8OCB microstripe arrays assisted by silicon micropillars. Microstripes prepared below the isotropic temperature were uniform, well-ordered, and showed high electricity. In addition, 8OCB molecules have a strong tendency toward antiparallel alignment, nearly standing up on the substrate with long axes parallel to the microstripe. Also, we point out the mechanism for the self-assembly process of 8OCB on the air-liquid and liquid-solid surface.

Exploring the role of ADAMTSL2 across multiple cancer types: A pan-cancer analysis and validated in colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have established a correlation between ADAMTSL2 (ADAMTS-like 2) and the development of various cancers. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive pan-cancer analysis in 37 cancer types and investigate its potential role in colon and rectal adenocarcinoma (COADREAD). METHOD: Pan-cancer and mutation data were sourced from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and analyzed using Sangerbox analysis platform. We explored the expression patterns and prognostic implications of ADAMTSL2, and investigated its relationships with tumor heterogeneity, stemness, immune checkpoint genes, immune cell infiltration, RNA modifications, and mutational profiles across different cancers. Additionally, with Ethics Committee approval, we conducted immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis on 120 COADEAD samples to evaluate ADAMTSL2 expression and its association with clinicopathological parameters. RESULTS: ADAMTSL2 expression was positively correlated with the hazard ratio of OS, DSS, DFI and PFI for ESCA and COADREAD. A negative correlation was observed between ADAMTSL2 expression and NEO levels in COAD. Gene alterations in ADAMTSL2 were observed, with a mutation frequency of 5.0% in COAD. There is a significant correlation between ADAMTSL2 expression and immune cell infiltration in a variety of cancers. The expression level of ADAMTSL2 protein was associated with T stage, N stage, M stage (p < 0.05). Kaplan‒Meier survival curves demonstrated that the high ADAMTSL2 group had a shorter OS time (p = 0.047) and progression free survival time (p = 0.026) than the low ADAMTSL2 group. CONCLUSION: In summary, we conducted a comprehensive pan-cancer analysis of ADAMTSL2 and we demonstrated that ADAMTSL2 may serve as a novel prognostic biomarker and immunotherapy target in COADREAD.

PQSF: post-quantum secure privacy-preserving federated learning.

In federated learning, secret sharing is a key technology to maintain the privacy of participants' local models. Moreover, with the rapid development of quantum computers, existing federated learning privacy protection schemes based on secret sharing will no longer be able to guarantee the data security of participants in the post-quantum era. In addition, existing privacy protection methods have the problem of high communication and computational overhead. Although the multi-stage secret sharing scheme proposed by Pilaram et al. is one of the effective solutions to the above problems, existing studies have proven the privacy leakage risk of this scheme. This paper firstly designs a new lattice-based multi-stage secret sharing scheme Improved-Pilaram to solve the security problem, which allows participants to use public vectors to reconstruct different secret values without changing the secret sharing. Based on Improved-Pilaram, this article proposes a post-quantum secure federated learning scheme PQSF. PQSF uses double masking technology to encrypt model parameters and achieves mask reconstruction through secret sharing. Since Improved-Pilaram is multi-stage, participants do not need to update their local secret shares frequently during training. Analysis and experimental results show that the PQSF proposed in this paper reduces the communication complexity between participants and reduces the computational overhead by about 20% compared with existing solutions.

The Systemic Inflammatory Response Index as a Novel Diagnostic Indicator for Bell's Palsy.

Aims/Background The systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI), an emerging hematological marker of inflammation, has shown promise as a promising biomarker for a variety of inflammatory conditions. This study aims to explore the diagnostic role of SIRI in Bell's palsy (BP). Methods For this retrospective study, 73 people diagnosed with BP between January 2021 and December 2023 were recruited, along with 73 healthy controls who were age- and sex-matched. The SIRI and other blood inflammatory markers, including the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), were determined for all participants, by enumerating their peripheral blood cell counts. Facial nerve function was assessed upon admission and after one month of treatment using the House-Brackmann Facial Nerve Grading System (H-B). According to this system, patients with an H-B grade of 1-2 are considered recovered, while those with an H-B grade of 3-6 are regarded as not recovered. Results The SIRI (0.94 vs 0.48, p < 0.001), SII (480.3 vs 329.12, p < 0.001), NLR (2.42 vs 1.41, p < 0.001), and PLR (141.05 vs 117.28, p = 0.001) showed a significant increase in the BP group compared to the control group. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed that the area under the curve (AUC) for SIRI was higher than those for SII, NLR, and PLR, respectively. Upon one-month follow-up, significant differences in the values of SIRI, SII, and NLR were observed between the favorable prognosis group and the poor prognosis group (SIRI: 1.07 vs 0.87, p = 0.011; SII: 647.85 vs 422.11, p = 0.005; NLR: 3.31 vs 2.11, p = 0.013). The AUC of ROC curve for SIRI was found to be lower than that of SII but higher than that of NLR. Conclusion The SIRI has the potential to be an important BP diagnostic and prognostic marker.

G-Protein Signaling in Alzheimer's Disease: Spatial Expression Validation of Semi-Supervised Deep Learning Based Computational Framework.

Systemic study of pathogenic pathways and interrelationships underlying genes associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) facilitates the identification of new targets for effective treatments. Recently available large-scale multi-omics datasets provide opportunities to use computational approaches for such studies. Here, we devised a novel disease gene identification (digID) computational framework that consists of a semi-supervised deep learning classifier to predict AD-associated genes and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network-based analysis to prioritize the importance of these predicted genes in AD. digID predicted 1,529 AD-associated genes and revealed potentially new AD molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets including GNAI1 and GNB1, two G-protein subunits that regulate cell signaling, and KNG1, an upstream modulator of CDC42 small G-protein signaling and mediator of inflammation and candidate coregulator of amyloid precursor protein (APP). Analysis of mRNA expression validated their dysregulation in AD brains but further revealed the significant spatial patterns in different brain regions as well as among different sub-regions of frontal cortex and hippocampi. Super-resolution STochastic Optical Reconstruction Microscopy (STORM) further demonstrated their subcellular co-localization and molecular interactions with APP in a transgenic mouse model of both sexes with AD-like mutations. These studies support the predictions made by digID while highlighting the importance of concurrent biological validation of computationally identified gene clusters as potential new AD therapeutic targets.Significance Statement Powerful computational approaches such as machine learning (ML) can interrogate large-scale multi-omics datasets to predict disease-associated genes unbiasedly via systemic study. This study presents a new disease gene identification (digID) computational framework using semi-supervised deep learning classifier. Empowered by the super-resolution imaging and the spatial biology paradigm, we further revealed that the ML model predicted AD-related G-protein signaling is subject to spatial expression dysregulation. Therefore, computational discoveries require independent biological validation to yield medical insights and our data highlight three novel G-protein genes and their signaling networks to be potential new AD therapeutic targets.

Rab4b Promotes Cytolethal Distending Toxin from Glaesserella parasuis-Induced Cytotoxicity in PK-15 Cells.

Glaesserella parasuis cytolethal distending toxin (GpCDT) can induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Our laboratory's previous work demonstrated that GTPase 4b (Rab4b) is a key host protein implicated in GpCDT-induced cytotoxicity. This study investigated the probable involvement of Rab4b in the process. Our study used CRISPR/Cas9 technology to create a Rab4b-knockout cell line. The results showed greater resistance to GpCDT-induced cell cytotoxicity. In contrast, forced Rab4b overexpression increased GpCDT-induced cytotoxicity. Further immunoprecipitation study reveals that GpCDT may bind with Rab4b. In PK-15 cells, GpCDT is transported to the early endosomes and late endosomes, while after knocking out Rab4b, GpCDT cannot be transported to the early endosome via vesicles. Rab4b appears essential for GpCDT-induced cytotoxicity in PK-15 cells.

Expression Characteristics, Immune Signature, and Prognostic Value of the SOCS Family Identified by Multiomics Integrative Analysis in Liver Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent malignancy with a high mortality rate worldwide. Suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) family members play important roles in the proliferation, metabolism, and immunity of HCC cells by regulating cytokines and growth factors. However, it remains uncertain whether the level of SOCS family members can affect the prognosis of HCC patients. AIMS: This study aimed to comprehensively assess the role and mechanisms of SOCS family members in the development of HCC and to guide clinical selection. METHODS: We investigated the expression levels of SOCS family genes in HCC patients and their associations with various clinicopathological characteristics. We also utilized a public database to analyze the changes in the expression, potential functions, transcription factors, and immune invasion of SOCS family members. Additionally, we examined the prognostic value of the SOC family for HCC and its correlation with the SOC family and ferroptosis-related genes. RESULTS: This study revealed that the expression of SOCS2-7, and CISH was downregulated in HCC. The SOCS4, SOCS5, and SOCS7 genes were associated with the clinicopathological features of HCC patients. SOCS family genes are mainly related to the PIK3R3, GHR, and TNS4 pathways. Additionally, this study revealed that STAT3, PPAR-gamma 2, and IRF-2 are important transcription factors that regulate SOCS family members. The expression levels of SOCS family members are closely related to immune infiltration in liver cancer. The study also indicated that SOCS2 and SOCS4 are risk-related genes for predicting the prognosis of patients with liver cancer. Finally, this study suggested that the SOCS2 gene may be involved in the development and progression of HCC. CONCLUSION: Our study enhances the current understanding of SOCS gene function in liver cancer and can help clinicians select appropriate drugs and predict the prognosis of HCC patients.

Predicting the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular event in systemic lupus erythematosus: a Chinese SLE treatment and research group study XXVI.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have an increased risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (CCEs). Furthermore, CCE was a significant factor contributing to mortality in patients with SLE. However, no clinical model exists that can predict which patients are at high risk. The purpose of this study was to develop a practical model for predicting the risk of CCE in people with SLE. METHODS: This study was based on the Chinese SLE Treatment and Research Group cohort. A total of 2399 patients, who had a follow-up period of over 3 years and were diagnosed with SLE for less than 1 year at the start of the study, were included. Cox proportional hazards regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression were used to establish the model. Internal validation was performed, and the predictive power of the model was evaluated. RESULTS: During the follow-up period, 93 patients had CCEs. The prediction model included nine variables: male gender, smoking, hypertension, age of SLE onset >40, cutaneous involvement, arthritis, anti-ß2GP1 antibody positivity, high-dose glucocorticoids and hydroxychloroquine usage. The model's C index was 0.801. Patients with a prognostic index over 0.544 were classified into the high-risk group. CONCLUSION: We have developed a predictive model that uses clinical indicators to assess the probability of CCE in patients diagnosed with SLE. This model has the ability to precisely predict the risk of CCE in patients with SLE. We recommended using this model in the routine assessment of patients with SLE.

Host Factor Rab4b Promotes Japanese Encephalitis Virus Replication.

Although the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) infects various cell types, its receptor molecules are still not clearly understood. In our laboratory's prior research, Rab4b was identified as a potential host factor that facilitates JEV infection in PK15 cells, utilizing a genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 knockout library (PK-15-GeCKO). To further explore the effect of Rab4b on JEV replication, we used the Rab4b knockout PK15 cell line using the CRISPR/Cas9 technology and overexpressing the Rab4b PK15 cell line, with IFA, RT-qPCR, and Western blot to study the effect of Rab4b on viral replication in the whole life cycle of the JEV. The results show that the knockout of Rab4b inhibited the replication of the JEV in PK15 cells, and the overexpression of Rab4b promoted the replication of the JEV in PK15 cell lines. Furthermore, we demonstrated for the first time that host factor Rab4b facilitates the adsorption, internalization, assembly, and release of the JEV, thereby promoting JEV replication. This study enriches the regulatory network between the JEV and host factors and lays the experimental foundation for further understanding of the function of the Rab4b protein.

Thiol-containing hyperbranched polysiloxane for scavenging reactive oxygen species.

Unconventional luminescent polymers have attracted considerable attention in the biological field due to their intrinsic fluorescence properties and excellent biocompatibility. However, exploring the luminescent properties of thiol-containing polymers and the mechanism of their scavenging of ROS remains unclear. In this work, we synthesised three kinds of hyperbranched polysiloxanes (HE, HP, and HB) with terminal thiol groups containing different chain lengths by the polycondensation reaction. Surprisingly, HP exhibits longer-wavelength emission at 480 nm with a quantum yield of 12.23% compared to HE and HB. Experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations have revealed that the rigidity of the conformation is enhanced by substantial hydrogen bonds and through-space O⋯O interactions in the polymer structure. These interactions, combined with the rigid carbon chains, balance the flexibility of the Si-O-C chain segments, which emerges as a critical factor contributing to the superior fluorescence performance of HP. In addition, HP exhibits excellent biocompatibility and ROS scavenging ability with a scavenging capacity of up to 35.095%. This work provides a new fluorescent polymer for scavenging ROS for the treatment of ROS-related diseases.

Revealing the lethal effects of Pasteurella multocida toxin on multiple organ systems.

Pasteurella multocida toxin (PMT) is one of the most important virulence factors of Pasteurella multocida type D. Pasteurella multocida infection has caused enormous economic losses in the pig farming industry. Although it is well known that this bacterial infection causes progressive atrophic rhinitis, its effects on other organ tissues in pigs are unclear. In this study, PMT was expressed and purified, and the cytotoxic effects of PMT on four types of swine cells, LLC-PK1, PAM, IPEC, and ST, were investigated. LLC-PK1 exhibited the highest sensitivity to the cytotoxic effects of PMT. Our studies revealed that a PMT concentration of 0.1 µg/kg can lead to weight loss, whereas a PMT concentration of 0.5 µg/kg can lead to death in mice. PMT causes damage to the intestines, kidneys, lungs, livers, and spleens of mice. Furthermore, PMT caused acute death in pigs at treatment concentrations greater than 5 µg/kg; at PMT concentration of 2.5 µg/kg, weight loss occurred until death. PMT mainly caused damage to the hearts, lungs, livers, spleens and kidneys of pigs. The organ coefficient showed that damage to the heart and kidneys was the most severe and caused the renal pelvis and renal pyramid to dissolve and become cavitated. Pathology revealed hemorrhage in the lungs, liver, and spleen, and the kidneys were swollen and vacuolated, which was consistent with the damaged target organs in the mice. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate that PMT is extremely toxic in vitro and in vivo, causing damage to various organs of the body, especially the kidneys and lungs. This study provides a theoretical basis for the in-depth exploration of the cytotoxic effects of PMT on target organs.

Risk prediction model for in-stent restenosis following PCI: a systematic review.

Introduction: The morbidity and mortality rates of coronary heart disease are significant, with PCI being the primary treatment. The high incidence of ISR following PCI poses a challenge to its effectiveness. Currently, there are numerous studies on ISR risk prediction models after PCI, but the quality varies and there is still a lack of systematic evaluation and analysis. Methods: To systematically retrieve and evaluate the risk prediction models for ISR after PCI. A comprehensive search was conducted across 9 databases from inception to March 1, 2024. The screening of literature and extraction of data were independently carried out by two investigators, utilizing the checklist for critical appraisal and data extraction for systematic reviews of prediction modeling studies (CHARMS). Additionally, the risk of bias and applicability were evaluated using the Prediction Model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool (PROBAST). Results: A total of 17 studies with 29 models were included, with a sample size of 175-10,004 cases, and the incidence of outcome events was 5.79%-58.86%. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.530-0.953. The top 5 predictors with high frequency were diabetes, number of diseased vessels, age, LDL-C and stent diameter. Bias risk assessment into the research of the risk of higher bias the applicability of the four study better. Discussion: The overall risk of bias in the current ISR risk prediction model post-PCI is deemed high. Moving forward, it is imperative to enhance study design and specify the reporting process, optimize and validate the model, and enhance its performance.

Spatial disparities and dynamic evolution of professional public health resource supply level in Beijing, China.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to explore the development status of the supply level of professional public health resources in Beijing Municipality, analyze the areal differences and spatial distribution characteristics of the supply level in 16 districts, and provide a scientific basis for promoting the balanced development of the supply level of professional public health resources in each district of Beijing Municipality. METHODS: Based on panel data from Statistical Yearbook of Health Work in Beijing Municipality and Health and Family Planning Work in Beijing Municipality from 2014 to 2022. Using the entropy method to measure the supply level of professional public health resources in Beijing, employing the Dagum Gini coefficient and Kernel density estimation method to analyze the spatial differentiation characteristics and dynamic evolution process of the supply level, and using heat maps to display the spatial distribution of the supply level in various districts of Beijing. RESULTS: The Dagum Gini coefficient of the supply level of professional public health resources in Beijing Municipality decreased continuously from 0.3419 in 2014 to 0.29736 in 2020, then gradually increased, showing a trend of initially decreasing and then increasing overall spatial differences. The spatial differences mainly stem from differences between areas. The kernel density curve shows that the supply level of professional public health resources in Beijing Municipality gradually increased, slightly decreased after 2021, and did not form a situation of two or multi-level differentiation. CONCLUSION: From 2014 to 2022, the supply level of professional public health resources in Beijing Municipality showed an overall upward trend, but attention should be paid to the decline after 2021; spatial differences initially decreased and then increased, and the differences between areas is the main source of the overall difference in Beijing. Therefore, the Beijing Municipal Government should focus on narrowing the differences between areas, determine the allocation and management of public health resources based on the actual situation of core areas, promote coordinated development within and outside areas, and thus enhance the supply level of professional public health resources.

Analysis of changes in nutritional compounds of dried yellow chili after different processing treatments.

Dried yellow chili is highly appreciated by consumers due to its excellent quality and flavor. The quality of products is determined by the drying and storage methods. In this study, dried yellow chilis were processed by natural air drying and hot air drying methods and then stored under three conditions: ambient temperature, ambient temperature with light avoidance, and at 10 °C with light avoidance for 12 months. The changes in the bioactive compounds during this period were analyzed attempting to reveal correlations between the different treatments and these compounds, with the aim of providing references for maintaining the bioactive compounds of pepper products. The results showed that samples treated with hot air had higher levels of fatty acids, resulting in a more pronounced flavor. During storage, samples stored at 10 °C with light avoidance were more effective in preserving soluble solids, total protein content, total phenols, capsaicinoids and most fatty acids.

Mediation analysis of cognitive function in the relationship between pulmonary function and depression among middle-aged and older adults.

AIM: This study aims to explore the association between declining lung function and depression in middle-aged and older adults, with a special focus on the mediating role of cognitive function. METHODS: This study utilizes self-reported and physical examination data from 5345 individuals participating in the 2015 cycle of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) to explore the role of cognitive function changes in mediating the effects of diminished lung function on depression among middle-aged and older adults. RESULTS: Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed a positive correlation between pulmonary and cognitive functions (ß = 0.003, 95% CI: 0.002∼0.003, P < 0.01) and a negative correlation between cognitive function and depression (ß = -0.279, 95% CI: -0.330-0.228, P < 0.01). Cognitive function plays a mediating role in linking pulmonary function with depression, exhibiting a mediation effect of -0.0007 and a total effect of -0.0046, wherein the mediation effect contributes to 15.22% of the total effect. For females, the mediating effect of cognitive function was stronger (ß = -0.0013, 95% CI: -0.0018∼-0.0008, P < 0.01) than it was for males (ß = -0.0006, 95% CI: -0.0009∼-0.0003, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The study underscores the importance of monitoring lung and cognitive functions as interconnected factors contributing to the mental health of middle-aged and older adults. It suggests that interventions aimed at improving pulmonary health and cognitive function may help mitigate depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older adults. Further research is warranted to validate these findings across diverse cultural and demographic settings. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; ••: ••-••.