Aqueous Dispersion of Aramid Nanofibers Achieved by Using Tannic Acid for Ultrahigh Strength Films.

Polymer nanofibers have established a robust foundation and possess immense potential in various emerging fields such as sensors and biotechnology. In this study, aqueous dispersions of aramid nanofibers (ANFs) were successfully prepared by using tannic acid (TA). Morphological analysis revealed that TA effectively prevented self-aggregation of ANFs, and preserved the nanofiber structure during TA-assisted solvent exchange. Subsequently, the ANF and TA/ANF films were fabricated using casting and vacuum-assisted filtration techniques. Notably, the tensile strength of the casting TA/ANF film reached 393.8 MPa, exhibiting a remarkable improvement of 41.3% compared to that of the pure ANF film. These exceptional mechanical properties can be attributed to the well-dispersed nanostructures, hydrogen-bonding interactions, zigzag structures, and fiber-bridging effects. Furthermore, the TA/ANF film demonstrated superior ultraviolet (UV) shielding capabilities, visible transparency properties, and excellent resistance to chemical reagents. The above-mentioned interesting findings demonstrate its potential as a nanofiber-reinforced material for poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) composites.

Efficacy of recombinant human epidermal growth factor in pressure injury healing: evidence from Chinese randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) in healing pressure injuries (PIs). METHODS: A meta-analysis was conducted of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving rhEGF in the treatment of PIs that were identified in PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). The population, intervention, comparison, outcomes, study design (PICOS) strategy was applied to determine analysis eligibility. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used, and statistical analysis, including sensitivity analysis, was performed of 3 outcomes indicators: the primary outcome was total efficacy of rhEGF in treating PIs, and the secondary outcomes were the proportion of complete healing and the time to complete healing. Total efficacy refers to the proportion of cases that have been cured, obviously effective, or effective. Complete healing refers to cases where the wound has healed, scabbed, and the scab has sloughed off. RESULTS: Sixteen RCTs were included, comprising a total of 1,206 patients. Study and control group size varied by outcomes. The total effective healing rate in rhEGF group was 97.18%, which was significantly higher than 83.38% in control group (OR: 5.69, [95% CI: 3.61, 8.97], z=7.49, P < .001). The proportion of complete healing in the rhEGF group was 73.30%, which was higher than 39.52% in control group (OR: 3.88, [95% CI: 3.01, 5.01], z=10.39, P < .001). Furthermore, the healing time using rhEGF was shorter (SMD: -2.14 days, [95% CI: -2.60, -1.67], z=9.07, P < .001). Sensitivity analyses indicated that the results were robust. CONCLUSIONS: The meta-analysis indicated that rhEGF was effective in healing PIs with few negative effects. Further research beyond Chinese populations involving larger studies and studies that distinguish between results found in using rhEGF alone or in combination are recommended.

An improved technology for monitoring groundwater flow velocity and direction in fractured rock system based on colloidal particles motion.

The colloidal borescope, using colloidal particle motion, is used to monitor the flow velocities and directions of groundwater. It integrates advanced techniques such as microscopy, high-speed photography, and big data computing and enjoys high sensitivity at the micron level. However, In the same well, the groundwater flow velocity monitored by colloidal hole mirror is varies greatly from that obtained by conventional hydrogeological monitoring, such as pumping test. In order to solve this problem, the stability catcher and stratified packer are designed to control the interference of the vertical flow in drilling, and to monitor the flow velocity and direction of groundwater velocity at the target aquifer and target fracture. Five wells with different aquifers and different groundwater types were selected for monitoring in south-central China. The instantaneous velocity and direction are converted into east-west component and north-south component, the average velocity and direction is calculated according to the time of 10 min, and the particle trajectory diagram is established. Based on these results, it proposed a concept of cumulative flow velocity. Using curve-fitting equations, the limits of cumulative flow velocities as the monitoring time tends to infinity were then calculated as the actual flow velocities of the groundwater. The permeability coefficient of aquifer is calculated by using the fissure ratio of aquifer, hydraulic slope and flow velocity, and compared with the permeability coefficient obtained by pumping test. The results are as follows: (1) The variation coefficient of the instantaneous flow velocity measured at the same depth in the same well at different times is greater than that of the time average flow velocity and greater than that of the cumulative flow velocity. The variation coefficient of the actual velocity is the smallest, indicating that the risk of using the actual flow velocity is lower. (2) The variation coefficient of the flow rate monitored at different depths in the same well is mainly controlled by the properties of the aquifer. The more uniform water storage space in the aquifer, the smaller the variation coefficient. (3) The comparison between the permeability coefficient obtained by monitoring and the permeability coefficient obtained by pumping test shows that the flow of structural fissure water controlled by planar fissure is more surface flow, and the results are consistent. When the groundwater flow is controlled by pores and solution gaps, the flow channel is complicated, which is easy to produce turbulent flow, and the result consistency is poor. (4) According to different research accuracy requirements, different monitoring and calculation methods can be selected for different aquifers and groundwater types. Researches show that, the permeability coefficient calculated for the actual flow velocity in well DR01 is the same as that calculated for the pumping test. The aquifer characteristics reflected by the coefficient of variation of the actual flow velocity in the same aquifer are more realistic. The pumping test method obtains the comprehensive parameters of a certain aquifer, and this method can be used to monitor a certain fissure. In this paper, the new technology developed for monitoring, and the new algorithm established for data processing, can accurately obtain the flow velocity and direction of groundwater, using capsule hole mirror monitoring method. The key parameters of hydrogeology can be obtained by using one well, which can reduce the time and cost input and improve the work efficiency.

Diagnosis and management of intraspinal tuberculoma with osseous involvement: a case report.

Introduction and importance: Intraspinal tuberculoma is rare and challenging situation, which results in serious neurological dysfunctions. Case presentation: This case report shows an intraspinal tuberculoma with osseous involvement in a 31-year-old male patient with subacute progressing neurologic deficit. His medical history included tuberculosis of pulmonary and intestinal 8 years previously, at which time he had been treated with intestinal obstruction operation and antituberculosis treatment. A quadruple antituberculosis treatment was carried out after admission; however, his neurological condition was steadily worsening. He underwent debulking of mass for decompression and pathological analysis revealed intraspinal tuberculoma. The patient was prescribed a 12-month course of antituberculosis therapy, and a good clinical outcome was obtained subsequently. Clinical discussion: This case was treated by microsurgical resection and antituberculosis therapy, and the outcome was favourable. Conclusion: Intraspinal tuberculoma should be considered when an intraspinal mass is found with a history of tuberculosis, it can be effectively diagnosed by MRI and treated by the combination of medical and surgical treatments.

Metabolomics and HS-SPME-GC-MS-based analysis of quality succession patterns and flavor characteristics changes during the fermentation of Lycium barbarum and Polygonatum cyrtonema compound wine.

This work set out to investigate how the physicochemical markers, volatiles, and metabolomic characteristics of mixed fermented the fermentation of Lycium barbarum and Polygonatum cyrtonema compound wine (LPCW) from S. cerevisine RW and D. hansenii AS2.45 changed over the course of fermentation. HS-SPME-GC-MS combined with non-targeted metabolomics was used to follow up and monitor the fermentation process of LPCW. In total, 43 volatile chemical substances, mostly alcohols, esters, acids, carbonyl compounds, etc., were discovered in LPCW. After 30 days of fermentation, phenylethyl alcohol had increased to 3045.83 g/mL, giving off a rose-like fresh scent. The biosynthesis of valine, leucine, and isoleucine as well as the metabolism of alanine, aspartic acid, and glutamic acid were the major routes that led to the identification of 1385 non-volatile components in total. This study offers a theoretical foundation for industrial development and advances our knowledge of the fundamental mechanism underlying flavor generation during LPCW fermentation.

Magnetic Nanoparticle-Based Microfluidic Platform for Automated Enrichment of High-Purity Extracellular Vesicles.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are available in various biological fluids and have highly heterogeneous sizes, origins, contents, and functions. Rapid enrichment of high-purity EVs remains crucial for enhancing research on EVs in tumors. In this work, we present a magnetic nanoparticle-based microfluidic platform (ExoCPR) for on-chip isolation, purification, and mild recovery of EVs from cell culture supernatant and plasma within 29 min. The ExoCPR chip integrates bubble-driven micromixers and immiscible filtration assisted by surface tension (IFAST) technology. The bubble-driven micromixer enhances the mixing between immunomagnetic beads and EVs, eliminating the need for manual pipetting or off-chip oscillatory incubation. The high-purity EVs were obtained after passing through the immiscible phase interface where hydrophilic or hydrophobic impurities nonspecifically bound to SIMI were removed. The ExoCPR chip had a capture efficiency of 75.8% and a release efficiency of 62.7% for model EVs. We also demonstrated the powerful performance of the ExoCPR in isolating EVs from biological samples (>90% purity). This chip was further employed in clinical plasma samples and showed that the number of GPC3-positive EVs isolated from hepatocellular carcinoma patients was significantly higher than that of healthy individuals. This ExoCPR chip may provide a promising tool for EV-based liquid biopsy and other fundamental research.

Physicochemical and functional properties of carboxymethylated insoluble dietary fiber of Lycium barbarum seed dreg.

Lycium barbarum seed dregs (LBSDs) were used for carboxymethyl modification, resulting in three degree of substitution samples (DS). Based on the substitution degree, samples were designated as low degree of substitution insoluble dietary fiber (L-IDF), medium degree of substitution insoluble dietary fiber (M-IDF) and high degree of substitution insoluble dietary fiber (H-IDF). Physicochemical and functional properties of IDFs were examined in relation to carboxymethylation degree. Infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (FT-IR) confirmed the carboxymethyl group. According to the results, IDF, L-IDF, M-IDF, and H-IDF acquired higher enthalpy changes, and their thermal stability improved significantly. A higher DS resulted in an increase in hydration properties such as water retention capacity and water swelling capacity, as well as functional properties such as glucose adsorption capacity, nitrite ion adsorption capacity, and cholesterol adsorption capacity. As a result, carboxymethylation could effectively enhance the biological properties of L. barbarum seed dreg insoluble dietary fiber (LBSDIDF).

Mortality of children and adolescents co-infected with tuberculosis and HIV: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Children and adolescents with HIV infection are well-known to face a heightened risk of tuberculosis. However, the exact mortality rates and temporal trends of those with HIV-TB co-infection remain unclear. We aimed to identify the overall mortality and temporal trends within this population. METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase were employed to search for publications reporting on the mortality rates of children and adolescents with HIV-TB co-infection from inception to March 2, 2024. The outcome is the mortality rate for children and adolescents with HIV-TB co-infection during the follow-up period. In addition, we evaluate the temporal trends of mortality. RESULTS: During the follow-up period, the pooled mortality was 16% (95% CI 13-20). Single infection of either HIV or TB exhibit lower mortality rates (6% and 4%, respectively). We observed elevated mortality risks among individuals aged less than 12 months, those with EPTB, poor adherence to ART, and severe immunosuppression. In addition, we observed a decreasing trend in mortality before 2008 and an increasing trend after 2008, although the trends were not statistically significant (P = 0.08 and 0.2 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Children and adolescents with HIV-TB co-infection bear a significant burden of mortality. Timely screening, effective treatment, and a comprehensive follow-up system contribute to reducing the mortality burden in this population.

Association Between Long-Term Exposure to Ambient Air Pollution and the Risk of Mild Cognitive Impairment in a Chinese Urban Area: A Case-Control Study.

Background: As a prodromal stage of dementia, significant emphasis has been placed on the identification of modifiable risks of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Research has indicated a correlation between exposure to air pollution and cognitive function in older adults. However, few studies have examined such an association among the MCI population inChina. Objective: We aimed to explore the association between air pollution exposure and MCI risk from the Hubei Memory and Aging Cohort Study. Methods: We measured four pollutants from 2015 to 2018, 3 years before the cognitive assessment of the participants. Logistic regression models were employed to calculate odds ratios (ORs) to assess the relationship between air pollutants and MCI risk. Results: Among 4,205 older participants, the adjusted ORs of MCI risk for the highest quartile of PM2.5, PM10, O3, and SO2 were 1.90 (1.39, 2.62), 1.77 (1.28, 2.47), 0.56 (0.42, 0.75), and 1.18 (0.87, 1.61) respectively, compared with the lowest quartile. Stratified analyses indicated that such associations were found in both males and females, but were more significant in older participants. Conclusions: Our findings are consistent with the growing evidence suggesting that air pollution increases the risk of mild cognitive decline, which has considerable guiding significance for early intervention of dementia in the older population. Further studies in other populations and broader geographical areas are warranted to validate these findings.

Restoration of the Mucosal IgA Response by Improving CD4+ T Pyroptosis Fails to Attenuate Gut Bacterial Translocation and Organ Damage After LPS Attack.

BACKGROUND: Currently, the mechanisms of impaired gut mucosal immunity in sepsis remain unclear. Gut immunoglobulin A (IgA) is an important defense mechanism against invasive pathogens, and CD4+ T cells regulate the IgA response. AIM: We aimed to verify the hypothesis indicating that CD4+ T pyroptosis induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) leads to an impaired gut IgA response and subsequent bacterial translocation and organ damage. METHODS: Cultured CD4+ T cells and mice were manipulated with LPS, and pyroptosis was improved by A438079 or adoptive CD4+ T cell transfer. The changes demonstrated in pyroptosis-related molecules, cytotoxicity and CD4+ T cells were examined to determine CD4+ T pyroptosis. The changes demonstrated in IgA+ B cells, AID (key enzyme for immunoglobulins) and IgA production and function were examined to evaluate the IgA response. Serum biomarkers, bacterial colonies and survival analysis were detected for bacterial translocation and organ damage. RESULTS: LPS attack induced CD4+ T pyroptosis, as evidenced by increased expression of P2X7, Caspase-11 and cleaved GSDMD, which elevated cytotoxicity and decreased CD4+ T cells. Decreased CD4+ T subsets (Foxp3+ T and Tfh cells) influenced the IgA response, as evidenced by lower AID expression, which decreased IgA+ B cells and IgA production and function. A438079 or cell transfer improved the IgA response but failed to reduce the translocation of gut pathogens, damage to the liver and kidney, and mortality of mice. CONCLUSION: LPS attack results in CD4+ T pyroptosis. Improvement of pyroptosis restores the mucosal IgA response but fails to ameliorate bacterial translocation and organ damage.

An LQT2-related mutation in the voltage-sensing domain is involved in switching the gating polarity of hERG.

BACKGROUND: Cyclic Nucleotide-Binding Domain (CNBD)-family channels display distinct voltage-sensing properties despite sharing sequence and structural similarity. For example, the human Ether-a-go-go Related Gene (hERG) channel and the Hyperpolarization-activated Cyclic Nucleotide-gated (HCN) channel share high amino acid sequence similarity and identical domain structures. hERG conducts outward current and is activated by positive membrane potentials (depolarization), whereas HCN conducts inward current and is activated by negative membrane potentials (hyperpolarization). The structural basis for the "opposite" voltage-sensing properties of hERG and HCN remains unknown. RESULTS: We found the voltage-sensing domain (VSD) involves in modulating the gating polarity of hERG. We identified that a long-QT syndrome type 2-related mutation within the VSD, K525N, mediated an inwardly rectifying non-deactivating current, perturbing the channel closure, but sparing the open state and inactivated state. K525N rescued the current of a non-functional mutation in the pore helix region (F627Y) of hERG. K525N&F627Y switched hERG into a hyperpolarization-activated channel. The reactivated inward current induced by hyperpolarization mediated by K525N&F627Y can be inhibited by E-4031 and dofetilide quite well. Moreover, we report an extracellular interaction between the S1 helix and the S5-P region is crucial for modulating the gating polarity. The alanine substitution of several residues in this region (F431A, C566A, I607A, and Y611A) impaired the inward current of K525N&F627Y. CONCLUSIONS: Our data provide evidence that a potential cooperation mechanism in the extracellular vestibule of the VSD and the PD would determine the gating polarity in hERG.

Lateral root primordium: Formation, influencing factors and regulation.

Roots are the primary determinants of water and nutrient uptake by plants. The structure of roots is largely determined by the repeated formation of new lateral roots (LR). A new lateral root primordium (LRP) is formed between the beginning and appearance of LR, which defines the organization and function of LR. Therefore, proper LRP morphogenesis is a crucial process for lateral root formation. The development of LRP is regulated by multiple factors, including hormone and environmental signals. Roots integrate signals and regulate growth and development. At the molecular level, many genes regulate the growth and development of root organs to ensure stable development plans, while also being influenced by various environmental factors. To gain a better understanding of the LRP formation and its influencing factors, this study summarizes previous research. The cell cycle involved in LRP formation, as well as the roles of ROS, auxin, other auxin-related plant hormones, and genetic regulation, are discussed in detail. Additionally, the effects of gravity, mechanical stress, and cell death on LRP formation are explored. Throughout the text unanswered or poorly understood questions are identified to guide future research in this area.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Sylvian Aqueduct Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Sylvian aqueduct syndrome is a rare complication after ventriculoperitoneal (V-P) shunt surgery and is not easily diagnosed. METHODS: A 26-year-old male with obstructive hydrocephalus due to tectal glioma was treated with a V-P shunt surgery in another hospital. After the surgery, the patient developed an intractable disturbance of consciousness. When the V-P shunt pressure was raised or lowered, the patient's consciousness disorder still could not be improved. The patient was diagnosed with Sylvian aqueduct syndrome, a rare complication after V-P shunt operation. RESULTS: The paper clarifies the treatment experience with simultaneous endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) and tectum gliomas biopsy, postoperative pathology suggestive of fibrillary astrocytoma; after surgery, the Sylvian aqueduct syndrome was cured and the patient recovered well. CONCLUSIONS: The preferred treatment for obstructive hydrocephalus caused by tumors in the Pineal region is the ETV operation. If an ETV operation and biopsy operation are performed simultaneously, more details need to be noted.

Schisandrin B Alleviates LPS Induced Mitochondrial Damage in C28I2 Cells.

Osteoarthritis is a common joint disease characterized by damage to the joint cartilage that occurs throughout the entire joint tissue. This damage primarily manifests as pain in the affected area. In clinical practice, medication is commonly used to relieve pain, but the treatment's effectiveness is poor and recurrent attacks are likely. Schisandrin B is the most abundant biphenylcyclohexene lignan found in the traditional Chinese medicine Schisandra chinensis, and it possesses various pharmacological effects. This study aims to investigate the protective effect of Schisandrin B on mitochondrial damage in osteoarthritis (C28I2 cells) under an inflammatory environment induced by LPS. Cell proliferation and activity, scratch tests, and LDH release tests are utilized to assess cell growth and migration ability. The immunofluorescence assay was used to detect the expression levels of proliferation and apoptosis proteins. The Western Blot assay was used to detect the expression levels of mitochondrial fusion and division proteins. The JC-1 assay was used to detect changes in mitochondrial membrane potential. The mitochondrial fluorescence probe assay was used to detect mitochondrial activity. Through research, it was found that Schisandrin B promotes the proliferation, growth, and migration of C28I2 cells, reduces apoptosis of C28I2 cells, balances mitochondrial fusion and division, stabilizes mitochondrial membrane potential, and promotes mitochondrial activity in an LPS induced inflammatory environment.

IGF-PLGA microspheres promote angiogenesis and accelerate skin flap repair and healing by inhibiting oxidative stress and regulating the Ang 1/Tie 2 signaling pathway.

Random flaps are widely used in the treatment of injuries, tumors, congenital malformations, and other diseases. However, postoperative skin flaps are prone to ischemic necrosis, leading to surgical failure. Insulin-like growth factor- 1(IGF-1) belongs to the IGF family and exerts its growth-promoting effects in various tissues through autocrine or paracrine mechanisms. Its application in skin flaps and other traumatic diseases is relatively limited. Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is a degradable high-molecular-weight organic compound commonly used in biomaterials. This study prepared IGF-PLGA sustained-release microspheres to explore their impact on the survival rate of flaps both in vitro and in vivo, as well as the mechanisms involved. The research results demonstrate that IGF-PLGA has a good sustained-release effect. At the cellular level, it can promote 3T3 cell proliferation by inhibiting oxidative stress, inhibit apoptosis, and enhance the tube formation ability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) . At the animal level, it accelerates flap healing by promoting vascularization through the inhibition of oxidative stress. Furthermore, this study reveals the role of IGF-PLGA in activating the Angiopoietin-1(Ang1)/Tie2 signaling pathway in promoting flap vascularization, providing a strong theoretical basis and therapeutic target for the application of IGF-1 in flaps and other traumatic diseases.

Co-augmentation of a transport gene mfsT1 in Mycolicibacterium neoaurum with genome engineering to enhance ergothioneine production.

Ergothioneine (EGT) is a rare thiohistidine derivative with exceptional antioxidant properties. The blood level of EGT is considered highly reliable predictors for cardiovascular diseases and mortality, yet animals lack the ability to synthesize this compound. Free plasmids have been previously used to overexpress genes involved in the EGT biosynthetic pathway of Mycolicibacterium neoaurum. Here, we tentatively introduced a putative transporter gene mfsT1 into high-copy plasmids and sharply increased the ratio of extracellular EGT concentration from 18.7% to 44.9%. Subsequently, an additional copy of egtABCDE, hisG, and mfsT1 was inserted into the genome with a site-specific genomic integration tool of M. neoaurum, leading a 2.7 times increase in EGT production. Co-enhancing the S-adenosyl-L-methionine regeneration pathway, or alternatively, the integration of three copies of egtABCDE, hisG and mfsT1 into the genome further increased the total EGT yield by 16.1% (64.6 mg/L) and 21.7% (67.7 mg/L), respectively. After 168-h cultivation, the highest titer reached 85.9 mg/L in the latter strain with three inserted copies. This study provided a solid foundation for genome engineering to increase the production of EGT in M. neoaurum.

How does exosome cause diabetes?

Exosomes are extracellular vesicles that are widely distributed in multiple cell types and circulating body fluids. They have a specific effect on the target cells by releasing different vesicle contents. They have recently been recognized as important means of intercellular communication, being involved, for example, in the development of diabetes by increasing ß-cell apoptosis, activating autoimmunity, and regulating cytokines to affect islet ß-cell function and insulin sensitivity. An in-depth study of the role of exosome in the pathogenesis of diabetes may therefore provide a novel means of diagnosing and treating diabetes. In this review, we detail how exosome is involved in the development of diabetes.

Changes in Corneal Higher-Order Aberrations and Ocular Biometric Measurements after Phacoemulsification Combined with Goniosynechialysis in Primary Angle Closure/Glaucoma Patients.

Purpose: To compare corneal higher-order aberrations (HOAs), refractive error, and ocular biological parameters before and after phacoemulsification combined with goniosynechialysis (Phaco-GSL) in primary angle closure/glaucoma (PAC/PACG) patients with different axial lengths (ALs). Methods: In this prospective study, cataract patients diagnosed with PAC/PACG were categorized into two groups based on their ALs: the short AL group (AL ≤ 22.5 mm) and the normal AL group (22.5 < AL ≤ 24.5 mm). The pre- and postsurgery measurements of intraocular pressure (IOP) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were conducted at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months. Additionally, the assessments included corneal HOAs, the number of antiglaucoma medications, visual field parameters, manifest refraction, and other ocular biological parameters before surgery and at the final follow-up. Results: Prior to surgery, the two groups exhibited no significant differences, except for AL, curvature value, and Z (4, 0) of the posterior corneal surface (all P < 0.01). Following surgery, BCVA improved, and IOP decreased significantly in both groups (P < 0.01). Both anterior and total corneal HOAs, along with Z (3, -3), increased in the two groups (all P < 0.05), with the normal AL group exhibiting a significantly greater increase in total cornea Z (3, -3) than the short AL group (P=0.047). The normal AL group also exhibited a slight tendency towards hyperopia (P < 0.01). Significant changes were observed in the visual field index and mean deviation in both groups (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Phaco-GSL resulted in an increased corneal HOAs, particularly trefoil, with variations based on the patient's AL. Patients with normal ALs tended to shift towards hyperopia after surgery.

High organic aerosol in the low layer over a rural site in the North China Plain (NCP): Observations based on large tethered balloon.

High mass concentration of organic aerosol (OA) and its fraction in PM2.5 (particle matter with radius <2.5 µm) were observed in the low layer over a rural site of the North China Plain (NCP) in winter 2018. The mass fraction of OA in PM2.5 was 65.5 % at ground level (5 m above ground), and decreased to 37.1 % in layer of 200-1000 m. In addition, there was a sharp decrease of OA at around the top of planetary boundary layer (PBL), which was distinctly different from the vertical distributions of secondary inorganic aerosols (SIA, e.g., nitrate (NO3-), ammonium (NH4+), and sulfate (SO42-)). The altitude with sharp decrease of OA was very low in the morning and evening, e.g., the sharp decrease of OA occurred at a height <50 m at nighttime on Dec. 19, while was elevated in the noon with the PBL development. Furthermore, OA at ground level exhibited a distinct diurnal variation with a night-to-day ratio of 2.3, which was much larger than those of SIA and inactive CO. All the above results indicated the extremely high OA concentration at the rural site was mainly attributed to direct emission from local sources, such as the combustion of coal and biomass for heating. The extremely high OA could be expected in vest rural areas of the NCP in winter because the farmer activities are very similar to the investigated rural site, underscoring the urgency to mitigate OA emission in rural area for improving the local as well as the regional air quality.

Non-pharmacological interventions for preventing suicide attempts: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Suicide attempts can cause serious physical harm or death. It would be crucial to gain a better understanding of the comparative efficacy of non-pharmacological interventions. We aimed to identify which non-pharmacological interventions are more effective in preventing suicide attempts. PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases were searched systematically from their inception until 3 April 2023. To be eligible for inclusion, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) had to meet the following criteria: Participants were individuals who had suicidal ideation or a history of severe self-harm or attempted suicide. A network meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model to estimate the treatment effect of various non-pharmacological interventions. (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023411393). We obtained data from 54 studies involving 17,630 participants. Our primary analysis found that Cognitive therapy (CT) (OR=0.19, 95%CI =0.04-0.81), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) (OR=0.37, 95%CI =0.13-0.97), Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) (OR=0.42, 95%CI =0.17-0.99), and Brief intervention and contact (BIC) (OR=0.65, 95%CI=0.44-0.94) were superior to TAU (within the longest available follow-up time) in preventing suicide attempts, while other intervention methods do not show significant advantages over TAU. Secondary analysis showed that the two intervention measures (CT and BIC) were effective when follow-up time did not exceed 6 months, but there was no effective intervention measure with longer follow-up times. CT, DBT, CBT, and BIC have a better effect in preventing suicide attempts than other non-pharmacological interventions. Additional research is necessary to validate which interventions, as well as which combinations of interventions, are the most effective.