1T'-transition metal dichalcogenide monolayers stabilized on 4H-Au nanowires for ultrasensitive SERS detection.

Unconventional 1T'-phase transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have aroused tremendous research interest due to their unique phase-dependent physicochemical properties and applications. However, due to the metastable nature of 1T'-TMDs, the controlled synthesis of 1T'-TMD monolayers (MLs) with high phase purity and stability still remains a challenge. Here we report that 4H-Au nanowires (NWs), when used as templates, can induce the quasi-epitaxial growth of high-phase-purity and stable 1T'-TMD MLs, including WS2, WSe2, MoS2 and MoSe2, via a facile and rapid wet-chemical method. The as-synthesized 4H-Au@1T'-TMD core-shell NWs can be used for ultrasensitive surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection. For instance, the 4H-Au@1T'-WS2 NWs have achieved attomole-level SERS detections of Rhodamine 6G and a variety of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike proteins. This work provides insights into the preparation of high-phase-purity and stable 1T'-TMD MLs on metal substrates or templates, showing great potential in various promising applications.

Catalpol promotes articular cartilage repair by enhancing the recruitment of endogenous mesenchymal stem cells.

Articular cartilage defect is challenged by insufficient regenerative ability of cartilage. Catalpol (CA), the primary active component of Rehmanniae Radix, could exert protective effects against various diseases. However, the impact of CA on the treatment of articular cartilage injuries is still unclear. In this study, full-thickness articular cartilage defect was induced in a mouse model via surgery. The animals were intraperitoneally injected with CA for 4 or 8 weeks. According to the results of macroscopic observation, micro-computed tomography CT (µCT), histological and immunohistochemistry staining, CA treatment could promote mouse cartilage repair, resulting in cartilage regeneration, bone structure improvement and matrix anabolism. Specifically, an increase in the expression of CD90, the marker of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), in the cartilage was observed. In addition, we evaluated the migratory and chondrogenic effects of CA on MSCs. Different concentration of CA was added to C3H10 T1/2 cells. The results showed that CA enhanced cell migration and chondrogenesis without affecting proliferation. Collectively, our findings indicate that CA may be effective for the treatment of cartilage defects via stimulation of endogenous MSCs.

Phase Engineering of Nanomaterials: Transition Metal Dichalcogenides.

Crystal phase, a critical structural characteristic beyond the morphology, size, dimension, facet, etc., determines the physicochemical properties of nanomaterials. As a group of layered nanomaterials with polymorphs, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have attracted intensive research attention due to their phase-dependent properties. Therefore, great efforts have been devoted to the phase engineering of TMDs to synthesize TMDs with controlled phases, especially unconventional/metastable phases, for various applications in electronics, optoelectronics, catalysis, biomedicine, energy storage and conversion, and ferroelectrics. Considering the significant progress in the synthesis and applications of TMDs, we believe that a comprehensive review on the phase engineering of TMDs is critical to promote their fundamental studies and practical applications. This Review aims to provide a comprehensive introduction and discussion on the crystal structures, synthetic strategies, and phase-dependent properties and applications of TMDs. Finally, our perspectives on the challenges and opportunities in phase engineering of TMDs will also be discussed.

A Modulation Method for Tunnel Magnetoresistance Current Sensors Noise Suppression.

To mitigate the impact of low-frequency noise from the tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) current sensor and ambient stray magnetic fields on weak current detection accuracy, we propose a high-resolution modulation-demodulation test method. This method modulates and demodulates the measurement signal, shifting low-frequency noise to the high-frequency band for effective filtering, thereby isolating the target signal from the noise. In this study, we developed a Simulink model for the TMR current sensor modulation-demodulation test method. Practical time-domain and frequency-domain tests of the developed high-resolution modulation-demodulation method revealed that the TMR current sensor exhibits a nonlinearity as low as 0.045%, an enhanced signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 77 dB, and a heightened resolution of 100 nA. The findings indicate that this modulation-demodulation test method effectively reduces the impact of low-frequency noise on TMR current sensors and can be extended to other types of resistive devices.

Synthesis of Pyridazino[4,5-b]indoles by [3+3] Annulation of 2-Alkenylindoles and Hydrazonyl Chlorides.

A novel [3+3] annulation reaction of 2-alkenylindoles with hydrazonyl chlorides in the presence of base for the formation of pyridazino[4,5-b]indoles was developed. This approach provided a convenient and efficient way to synthesize a series of functionalized pyridazino[4,5-b]indoles derivatives. The method exhibited a broad substrate scope and provided the corresponding pyridazino[4,5-b]indoles products with excellent yields.

HBV integrations reshaping genomic structures promote hepatocellular carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), mostly characterised by HBV integrations, is prevalent worldwide. Previous HBV studies mainly focused on a few hotspot integrations. However, the oncogenic role of the other HBV integrations remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate HBV integration-induced tumourigenesis further. DESIGN: Here, we illuminated the genomic structures encompassing HBV integrations in 124 HCCs across ages using whole genome sequencing and Nanopore long reads. We classified a repertoire of integration patterns featured by complex genomic rearrangement. We also conducted a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-based gain-of-function genetic screen in mouse hepatocytes. We individually activated each candidate gene in the mouse model to uncover HBV integration-mediated oncogenic aberration that elicits tumourigenesis in mice. RESULTS: These HBV-mediated rearrangements are significantly enriched in a bridge-fusion-bridge pattern and interchromosomal translocations, and frequently led to a wide range of aberrations including driver copy number variations in chr 4q, 5p (TERT), 6q, 8p, 16q, 9p (CDKN2A/B), 17p (TP53) and 13q (RB1), and particularly, ultra-early amplifications in chr8q. Integrated HBV frequently contains complex structures correlated with the translocation distance. Paired breakpoints within each integration event usually exhibit different microhomology, likely mediated by different DNA repair mechanisms. HBV-mediated rearrangements significantly correlated with young age, higher HBV DNA level and TP53 mutations but were less prevalent in the patients subjected to prior antiviral therapies. Finally, we recapitulated the TONSL and TMEM65 amplification in chr8q led by HBV integration using CRISPR/Cas9 editing and demonstrated their tumourigenic potentials. CONCLUSION: HBV integrations extensively reshape genomic structures and promote hepatocarcinogenesis (graphical abstract), which may occur early in a patient's life.

The Impact of Balloon Pre-dilatation Techniques on Drug-Coated Balloon Therapy for Femoropopliteal Artery Disease: Six-Month Results From the CIVILIAN Registry.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to compare the initial outcomes of using the Chocolate balloon pre-dilatation (CLP) and sequential enlarging angioplasty pre-dilatation (sequential balloon pre-dilation [SP]) techniques versus the conventional balloon pre-dilatation (CP) method prior to drug-coated balloon (DCB) treatment for femoropopliteal (FP) lesions. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from the CIVILIAN (Clinical InVestigation of different lesIon preparation modaLIty followed by DCB in femoropopliteal Artery occlusioN disease) registry. Between March 2021 and November 2022, 3 pre-dilation techniques used prior to the DCB angioplasty were included. The study endpoint included intraoperative finial severe dissection after provisional stent placement, bailout stenting rate, the diameter of the largest pre-dilation balloon and DCB, as well as major adverse events (MAEs), including death, major limb amputation, or target vessel revascularization at 6 months. RESULTS: During the study period, 435 limbs (429 patients) were pre-dilated before DCB treatment in FP lesions, 166 limbs were pre-dilated with Chocolate balloons, 93 limbs with sequential enlarging balloon pre-dilation technique, and 176 limbs with CP. The largest pre-dilation balloon was significantly larger in CLP and SP groups than that in the CP group (CLP 4.74±0.52 mm vs CP 4.36±0.64 mm, p<0.001; SP 4.82±0.69 mm vs CP 4.36±0.63 mm, p<0.001). A consistent result was shown in DCB diameter (CLP 4.86±0.44 mm vs CP 4.71±0.51 mm, p=0.003; SP 4.90±0.58 mm vs CP 4.71±0.51 mm, p=0.006). The bailout stenting rate was significantly lower in the CLP group than that in the CP group (18.1% vs 30.1%, p=0.011). The rates of MAEs at 6 months in the CLP and SP groups were comparable to those in the CP group (7.2% and 8.6% vs 6.3%, p>0.05). The risk for intraoperative bailout stenting rate was related to TASC D classification (3.59, 95% CI: 1.83-7.05, p<0.001), chronic total occlusion (CTO) lesion (1.82, 95% CI: 1.07-3.10, p=0.028), as well as pre-dilated with the conventional balloon (1.64, 95% CI: 1.00-2.69, p=0.048). CONCLUSIONS: By utilizing chocolate balloon and sequential enlarging angioplasty, it becomes possible to use larger pre-dilation balloons and DCBs. In addition, the use of the chocolate balloon can significantly reduce the need for bailout stenting when compared with conventional balloons. CLINICAL IMPACT: The utilization of a chocolate balloon and sequential enlarging angioplasty has emerged as a promising technique for angioplasty procedures. This approach allows for the use of larger pre-dilation balloons and drug-coated balloons. The use of the chocolate balloon can significantly reduce the need for bail-out stenting when compared to conventional balloons. Further research is required to determine the impact of vessel preparation techniques on the primary patency.

The real-world incidence and predictors of sac regression in patients with infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm after standard EVAR.

OBJECTIVE: Sac regression (SR) is a surrogate marker of satisfied endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). This research aims to investigate the incidence and predictors of SR in a Chinese population. DESIGN: Single centre retrospective cohort study. METHODS: Consecutive patients with infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) who underwent standard EVAR were retrospectively reviewed. SR was defined as sac shrinkage > 5 mm on computed tomography images, while major SR (MaSR) was ≥ 10 mm sac shrinkage. The cumulative rate was calculated by Kaplan-Meier analysis and predictors were identified by the Cox regression model. RESULTS: A total of 469 patients (median age, 71 years old) were included. The majority of them (86.6 %) were male. With a median time of 13.6 months, SR was detected in 129 (27.5 %) patients after the index EVAR. Compared with never smokers, current smokers were more likely to experience SR (adjusted HR 2.630, p < .001), while former smokers did not show any significant difference. Multivariate Cox regression also showed that maximal aneurysm diameter (adjusted HR 1.012, p = 0.035) and female (adjusted HR 1.675, p = .045) were independent predictors of SR. A total of 51 (10.9 %) patients had MaSR at a median time of 15.4 months after EVAR. In multivariate analysis, maximal aneurysm diameter and Zenith stent graft were independently associated with MaSR. CONCLUSION: In Chinese population, the incidence of SR and MaSR was 27.5 % and 10.9 % after EVAR, respectively. Maximal aneurysm diameter and female were independent predictors of SR. Compared with never smokers, it was more likely to have SR in current smokers.

Principles of Optimal Antithrombotic Therapy for Iliac VEnous Stenting (POATIVES): A national expert-based Delphi consensus study.

OBJECTIVE: Management of antithrombotic therapy in patients undergoing venous stents has not yet reached consensus, and there are not any recommendations from published guidelines. We undertook a Delphi consensus from Chinese experts to develop recommendations regarding the preferred antithrombotic therapy in patients following venous stenting. METHODS: The phase 1 questionnaire was comprised of three clinical scenarios of venous stenting for non-thrombotic iliac vein lesions (NIVL), acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) and was sent to venous practitioners across China. In phase 2, the results of phase 1 were distributed to a panel of experts for evaluation along with a questionnaire encompassing a series of statements produced during phase 1. A modified Delphi method was used to reach consensus on recommendations through two rounds of surveys. RESULTS: The phase 1 questionnaire was completed by 283 respondents. In phase 2, an expert panel consisting of 28 vascular surgeons and interventional radiologists was assembled and voted 17 statements relating to antithrombotic management after venous stenting for NIVL (4 statements), DVT (6 statements), and PTS (7 statements). The majority of the statements about the antithrombotic agent selection received a high consensus strength. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the national Delphi consensus of Chinese experts regarding antithrombotic therapy following iliac venous stenting in three common scenarios, most of the statements could be used to guide antithrombotic management following venous stenting. Further studies are required to clarify controversial issues including the dose and duration of anticoagulants, the role of antiplatelet agents, especially in patients with NIVL.

A New Drug-Coated Balloon for the Treatment of Superficial Femoropopliteal Artery Disease: 12-Month Results from the IN-DEPT SFA Trial.

PURPOSE: To report the outcomes of the IN-DEPT trial assessing the feasibility, preliminary safety data, and 12-month outcomes of a new drug-coated balloon (DCB) product for peripheral artery disease (PAD) in Chinese patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective, multicenter, single-arm clinical trial. A total of 160 patients with superficial femoral artery (SFA) and/or proximal popliteal artery lesions were treated with a new paclitaxel-coated DCB. The preliminary effectiveness end point was 12-month primary patency. The primary safety end point was freedom from device- and procedure-related mortality over 30 days and freedom from major target limb amputation and clinically driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR) within 12 months after the index procedure. RESULTS: In total, 160 patients presented with 162 target lesions. A total of 139 lesions (85.8%) were treated with 1 DCB, whereas the other 23 lesions (14.2%) were treated with 2 devices. The device success rate was 100%. A total of 135 subjects reached the preliminary effectiveness end point, with a 12-month primary patency rate of 84.4%. There was no 30-day device- or procedure-related death or unplanned major target limb amputation at 12 months. Five CD-TLRs (3.1%) occurred during the 12-month follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Results from the IN-DEPT SFA trial showed satisfactory feasibility and safety of the new DCB over 12 months in Chinese patients with PAD and femoropopliteal de novo lesions, including both stenoses and total occlusions.

Risk assessment and source apportionment of available atmospheric heavy metal in a typical sandy area reservoir in Inner Mongolia, China.

This study evaluated dry and wet deposition of atmospheric heavy metals (HMs) in a sandy area of Inner Mongolia, China, with the Dahekou Reservoir, Xilin Gol League, adopted as the study area. Monthly monitoring of atmospheric HM dry and wet deposition was conducted over one year (2021 to 2022) at 12 monitoring points, producing 144 dry and wet deposition samples, respectively. The sample contents of eight HMs (Cr, Ni, Pb, Cu, Zn, Mn, As, and Cd) were determined to estimate the fluxes of available forms of heavy metal (AHM) in dry and wet deposition. The potential ecological index (Eri), risk assessment coding (RAC), and ratio of secondary phase to primary phase (RSP) were used to evaluate the impact of atmospheric HM dry deposition on ecological security. Correlation analysis, principal component analysis, and the absolute principal component scores-multiple linear regression (APCS-MLR) receptor model were used to quantitatively analyze the sources of AHMs in atmospheric dry and wet deposition. The results showed that the study area experienced annual dry and wet deposition fluxes of AHMs of 1712.59 kg and 534.97 kg, respectively. Atmospheric heavy metal dry deposition over the entire year presented a strong ecological risk, with Cd contributing most to this risk. Risk assessment of HM speciation showed that the greatest risks of migration and transformation were for Cd and Pb. The APCS-MLR receptor model identified five and three sources of dry and wet deposition, respectively, in order of proportion of total contribution of: natural wind and sand > road traffic and coal combustion > mineral mining > other human activities > industrial soot.

Analysis of the distribution across media, migration, and related driving factors of fluoride in cold and arid lakes during the freezing period.

Fluoride pollution in water has become a global challenge. This challenge especially affects China as a country experiencing serious fluoride pollution. While the have been past studies on the spatial distribution of fluoride, there has been less attention on different forms of fluoride. This study collected 176 samples (60, 40, and 76 ice, water, and sediment samples, respectively) from Lake Ulansuhai during the freezing period. The occurrence and spatial distribution characteristics of fluoride in lake ice-water-sediment were explored using Kriging interpolation, Piper three-line diagram, and Gibbs diagram analysis methods. The migration and transformation of fluoride during the freezing period were revealed and the factors influencing fluoride concentration in the water body were discussed considering the hydrochemical characteristics of lake surface water. The results showed that the average fluoride concentrations in the upper ice, middle ice and lower ice were 0.18, 0.09, and 0.12 mg/L, respectively, decreasing from north to south in the lake. The average concentrations of fluoride in surface water and bottom water were 0.63 and 0.83 mg/L, respectively. The concentrations of fluoride in ice and water were within the World Health Organisation drinking water threshold of 1.50 mg/L and the Class III Chinese surface water standard (GB3838-2002). The average sediment total fluorine was 1344.38 ± 200 mg/kg, significantly exceeding the global average (321 mg/kg) and decreasing with depth. The contents of water soluble, exchangeable, Fe/Mn bound, organic bound, and residual fluorides were 40.22-47.18, 13.24-43.23, 49.52-160.48, and 71.59-173.03 mg/kg, respectively. There was a significant positive correlation between fluoride concentration in ice and that in water. The change in fluoride concentration in water was mainly due to specific climatic and geographical conditions, pH, hydrochemical characteristics and ice sealing. This study is of great significance for the management of high-fluorine lakes in arid and semi-arid areas.

Recent Progress on Phase Engineering of Nanomaterials.

As a key structural parameter, phase depicts the arrangement of atoms in materials. Normally, a nanomaterial exists in its thermodynamically stable crystal phase. With the development of nanotechnology, nanomaterials with unconventional crystal phases, which rarely exist in their bulk counterparts, or amorphous phase have been prepared using carefully controlled reaction conditions. Together these methods are beginning to enable phase engineering of nanomaterials (PEN), i.e., the synthesis of nanomaterials with unconventional phases and the transformation between different phases, to obtain desired properties and functions. This Review summarizes the research progress in the field of PEN. First, we present representative strategies for the direct synthesis of unconventional phases and modulation of phase transformation in diverse kinds of nanomaterials. We cover the synthesis of nanomaterials ranging from metal nanostructures such as Au, Ag, Cu, Pd, and Ru, and their alloys; metal oxides, borides, and carbides; to transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) and 2D layered materials. We review synthesis and growth methods ranging from wet-chemical reduction and seed-mediated epitaxial growth to chemical vapor deposition (CVD), high pressure phase transformation, and electron and ion-beam irradiation. After that, we summarize the significant influence of phase on the various properties of unconventional-phase nanomaterials. We also discuss the potential applications of the developed unconventional-phase nanomaterials in different areas including catalysis, electrochemical energy storage (batteries and supercapacitors), solar cells, optoelectronics, and sensing. Finally, we discuss existing challenges and future research directions in PEN.

Study on Grinding-Affected Layer of Outer-Ring Inner Raceway of Tapered Roller Bearing.

In the grinding of bearing raceways, the coupling effect between grinding force and heat in the contact area between the grinding wheel and the workpiece causes changes in the material structure and mechanical properties of the raceway surface layer, which can lead to the formation of a grinding-affected layer. The grinding-affected layer has a significant impact on the service performance and fatigue life of bearings. In order to improve the ground surface quality of the outer-ring inner raceway of tapered roller bearings and optimize the processing parameters, this paper presents a study on the grinding-affected layer. A finite element simulation model for grinding the outer-ring inner raceway of the tapered roller bearing was established. The grinding temperature field was simulated to predict the affected-layer thickness during raceway grinding. The correctness of the model was verified through grinding experiments using the current industrial process parameters of bearing raceway grinding. The research results indicate that the highest grinding temperature of the outer-ring inner raceway of the tapered roller bearing is located near the center of the grinding arc area on the thin end edge. As the workpiece speed and grinding depth decrease, the highest grinding temperature decreases, and the dark layer thickness of the grinding-affected layer decreases or even does not occur. The research results can provide theoretical guidance and experimental reference for grinding the raceway of tapered roller bearings.

Effectiveness of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu decoction combined with rehabilitation training for shoulder hand syndrome after stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Shoulder hand syndrome (SHS) is a common complication of stroke. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu decoction (HGWD) combined with rehabilitation training in managing it, as its efficacy remains inconclusive. METHODS: Seven databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, SinoMed, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, and VIP database were searched in this study. The search deadline was April 30, 2023. Randomized controlled trials that included either standalone rehabilitation training or HGWD combined with rehabilitation training were included, and data were independently extracted by 2 reviewers who assessed the risk of bias. RESULTS: Thirteen studies involving 1270 patients were included in this study. Meta-analysis showed that the combined treatment was significantly more effective than standalone rehabilitation therapy (odds ratio = 4.49; 95%CI: 2.98-6.76; Z = 7.17; P < .00001). Compared with the control group, the intervention group had a lower visual analog scale score (mean difference [MD] = -2.80, 95%CI (-3.15, -2.45), Z = 15.84, P < .00001). In addition, the Fugl-Meyer assessment scale score improved (MD = 9.69, 95%CI (7.60, 11.78), Z = 9.08, P < .00001). The SHS score in the intervention group decreased more compared to the control group (standard mean difference = -2.27, 95%CI (-3.19, -1.34), Z = 4.79, P < .00001). Serum biomarkers related to SHS decreased, including serum substance P (MD = -7.52, 95%CI (-8.55, -6.48), Z = 14, P < .00001) and bradykinin (MD = -1.81, 95%CI (-2.68, -0.95), Z = 4.1, P < .00001). Although there was no statistical difference in joint mobility score (MD = -4.19, 95%CI (-8.16, -0.22), Z = 4.79, P = .28), sensitivity analysis after excluding one study still suggested that the joint mobility score of the combined treatment group was higher than that of the standalone rehabilitation treatment group. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that HGWD combined with rehabilitation training may be more effective in treating SHS after stroke compared to standalone rehabilitation therapy.

Drug-Coated Balloon Angioplasty of Infrapopliteal Lesions in Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia: Six-month Outcomes of PRIME-WIFI.

PURPOSE: To evaluate 6-month outcomes of drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty of infrapopliteal lesions in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). METHODS: We analyzed 6-month follow-up data from the 10-center PRIME-WIFI prospective registry on 300 consecutive patients (33.000% female) with CLTI who underwent DCB angioplasty for infrapopliteal arterial lesions. The primary outcome was freedom from major adverse event (MAE), a composite of major amputation, all-cause death, and clinically-driven target limb reintervention (CD-TLR). Secondary outcomes included amputation-free survival (AFS), freedom from each primary outcome component, primary sustained clinical improvement, and quality of life (QOL) score. Independent risk factors of MAE were determined using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 409 infrapopliteal lesions in 312 limbs were treated with DCB, with 54.167% of the limbs being treated for isolated infrapopliteal lesions. By Kaplan-Meier analysis, at 6 months post- procedure (follow-up rate, 85.000%), freedom from MAE was 86.353%; AFS was 90.318%; and freedom from major amputation, all-cause death, and CD-TLR were 96.429%, 93.480%, and 95.079%, respectively. At 6-month follow-up, 83.590% of patients showed primary sustained clinical improvement, and QOL score (4.902±1.388) improved compared with that before procedure (2.327±1.109; p<0.001). Chronic renal insufficiency, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Rutherford grade, and postoperative infrapopliteal runoff score were independent risk factors for MAE within 6 months. CONCLUSION: In CLTI, DCB angioplasty of infrapopliteal lesions yields acceptable early efficacy and safety. CLINICAL IMPACT: This study evaluated the 6-month outcomes of DCB angioplasty in infrapopliteal lesions in CLTI patients by analyzing multicenter prospective data, showing that infrapopliteal DCB angioplasty can be performed with acceptable freedom from MAE rate, amputation-free survival rate, freedom from major amputation rate, survival rate, and freedom from CD-TLR rate. No patient experienced DCB-related intraoperative distal embolism. Chronic renal insufficiency, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Rutherford grade and postoperative infrapopliteal runoff score were independent risk factors for MAE within 6 months. Comparative real-world studies are needed.

[Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Dust Fall Around Reservoirs in Typical Ecologically Fragile Areas and Traceability Based on APCS-MLR Model].

To assess the health risk status and pollution sources of heavy metals in the atmosphere of ecologically vulnerable areas, the surrounding area of Dahekou Reservoir in Xilingol League was selected as the study area. From 2021 to 2022, 12 monitoring points for atmospheric dust fall were collected for a period of one year. A total of 144 samples were collected to determine the contents of eight types of heavy metals, namely Cr, Ni, Pb, Cu, Zn, Mn, As, and Cd. The potential ecological index (Eri) and health risk assessment model were used to assess the risk level of atmospheric heavy metals on ecological security and human health. The analysis of enrichment factors, principal components, and the model of absolute principal component multiple linear regression (APCS-MLR) receptor were used to analyze the sources of heavy metal pollution qualitatively in the atmosphere of the study area. The results showed that:① the mean value of the comprehensive potential ecological risk of heavy metals in the annual atmospheric dust fall in the study area was at a high ecological risk, and only the Cd value was at a very high risk level among the heavy metals, whereas the remaining were at a slight risk. ② The results of the health risk showed that intake by hand, mouth, and skin contact were the main exposure routes, which led to non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks. Children were under non-carcinogenic and acceptable carcinogenic risks in different months. During those months, the main source of the risks was As. ③ Through enrichment factor analysis, principal component analysis, and APCS-MLR receptor model calculation, the results revealed that the proportion of wind-blown sources was the largest, accounting for 37.82%, and the contribution rates of coal combustion and traffic sources to Cu, Cd, Pb, and Zn were 73.01%, 40.22%, 70.31%, and 32.82%, respectively. The contribution rate of mining activities to As was 42.59%, while that of industrial sources of Cd was 22.01%; the contributions of other human activity sources of Cd, As, Pb, and Zn were 21.12%, 34.40%, 23.04%, and 32.15%, respectively.

Phase-dependent growth of Pt on MoS2 for highly efficient H2 evolution.

Crystal phase is a key factor determining the properties, and hence functions, of two-dimensional transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs)1,2. The TMD materials, explored for diverse applications3-8, commonly serve as templates for constructing nanomaterials3,9 and supported metal catalysts4,6-8. However, how the TMD crystal phase affects the growth of the secondary material is poorly understood, although relevant, particularly for catalyst development. In the case of Pt nanoparticles on two-dimensional MoS2 nanosheets used as electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction7, only about two thirds of Pt nanoparticles were epitaxially grown on the MoS2 template composed of the metallic/semimetallic 1T/1T' phase but with thermodynamically stable and poorly conducting 2H phase mixed in. Here we report the production of MoS2 nanosheets with high phase purity and show that the 2H-phase templates facilitate the epitaxial growth of Pt nanoparticles, whereas the 1T' phase supports single-atomically dispersed Pt (s-Pt) atoms with Pt loading up to 10 wt%. We find that the Pt atoms in this s-Pt/1T'-MoS2 system occupy three distinct sites, with density functional theory calculations indicating for Pt atoms located atop of Mo atoms a hydrogen adsorption free energy of close to zero. This probably contributes to efficient electrocatalytic H2 evolution in acidic media, where we measure for s-Pt/1T'-MoS2 a mass activity of 85 ± 23 A [Formula: see text] at the overpotential of -50 mV and a mass-normalized exchange current density of 127 A [Formula: see text] and we see stable performance in an H-type cell and prototype proton exchange membrane electrolyser operated at room temperature. Although phase stability limitations prevent operation at high temperatures, we anticipate that 1T'-TMDs will also be effective supports for other catalysts targeting other important reactions.

Toward Universal Health Coverage: Regional Inequalities and Potential Solutions for Alleviating Catastrophic Health Expenditure in the Post-poverty Elimination Era of China.

BACKGROUND: This study took Beijing as an example to estimate the incidence and regional inequalities of catastrophic health expenditures (CHE) in a megacity of China. METHODS: This study used data from the Health Services Survey Beijing (HSSB) 2018. Logistic regressions were used to investigate the risk factors for experiencing CHE, and concentration curves, the concentration index and its decomposition method based on probit models were used to estimate the inequalities in CHE. RESULTS: CHE occurred in 25.51% of the households of the outer suburb villages, 6.78% of the households of the inner-city area communities, 17.10% of the households of the villages of the inner-city areas, and 11.91% of the households of the communities of the outer suburbs. In areas in the outer suburbs, households with private insurance coverage were associated with a lowered risk of CHE, and lower educational attainment and lower occupational class were related to an increasing risk of CHE. This study also discovered pro-rich financing disparities in CHE in Beijing, with the outer suburbs having the highest levels of CHE disparity. When it comes to the observed contributions of disparities in CHE, a significant portion of them is connected to the sorts of occupations, educational levels, and residential status. CONCLUSION: The impoverishment brought on by medical expenses and CHE must still be taken into account in the post-poverty elimination era. The megacity of China was discovered to have significant regional differences in the incidence of pro-rich financing inequity in CHE. Disparities in socioeconomic status (SES), one of the controllable variables, may be a key area to address to lower the risk and minimize CHE inequality in megacities towards the path to UHC. Additionally, it is important to consider the financial protection impact of inclusive supplementary medical insurance on lowering the likelihood of CHE in the periphery areas.

Structural Transformation of Unconventional-Phase Materials.

The structural transformation of materials, which involves the evolution of different structural features, including phase, composition, morphology, etc., under external conditions, represents an important fundamental phenomenon and has drawn substantial research interest. Recently, materials with unconventional phases that are different from their thermodynamically stable ones have been demonstrated to possess distinct properties and compelling functions and can further serve as starting materials for structural transformation studies. The identification and mechanism study of the structural transformation process of unconventional-phase starting materials can not only provide deep insights into their thermodynamic stability in potential applications but also offer effective approaches for the synthesis of other unconventional structures. Here, we briefly summarize the recent research progress on the structural transformation of some typical starting materials with various unconventional phases, including the metastable crystalline phase, amorphous phase, and heterophase, induced by different approaches. The importance of unconventional-phase starting materials in the structural modulation of resultant intermediates and products will be highlighted. The employment of diverse in situ/operando characterization techniques and theoretical simulations in studying the mechanism of the structural transformation process will also be introduced. Finally, we discuss the existing challenges in this emerging research field and provide some future research directions.