Central and peripheral blood pressures in relation to the triglyceride-glucose index in a Chinese population.

BACKGROUND: The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index has been proposed as a surrogate marker of insulin resistance. However, the relationship between the TyG index and central blood pressure (BP), has not been well studied in adults. METHODS: A total of 715 Chinese adult participants were enrolled in this study. Anthropometric and BP were assessed. The TyG index was calculated as ln[fasting triglycerides(mg/dL) × fasting glucose(mg/dL)/2]. Central BP was measured using SphygmoCor system. RESULTS: The participants were stratified into three groups based on the TyG index, and significant differences were observed in metabolic and cardiovascular parameters and the prevalence of hypertension among the groups. Both brachial (ß = 1.38, P = 0.0310; group highest vs. lowest, ß = 2.66, P = 0.0084) and aortic (ß = 2.38, P = 0.0002; group highest vs. lowest, ß = 3.96, P = 0.0001) diastolic BP were significantly and independently associated with the TyG index and increasing TyG index tertile. However, there was no independent association between the TyG index and systolic BP. A one-unit increase in the TyG index was associated with a 46% higher risk of hypertension (P = 0.0121), and compared with the lowest group, participants in the highest group had a 95% higher risk of hypertension (P = 0.0057). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates a significant and independent association between the TyG index and both brachial and aortic diastolic BP in Chinese adults. Furthermore, the TyG index was found to be an independent predictor of hypertension.

Correlation between lesion location and dysphagia characteristics in post-stroke patients.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the correlation between lesion location and swallowing function characteristics in post-stroke dysphagia (PSD) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled 133 PSD. The patients were divided into supratentorial and infratentorial stroke groups. We compared the measurements in the videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) with 3ml and 5 ml of diluted and thickened barium liquid data between supratentorial and brainstem stroke groups. We further compared the difference of VFSS measurements between patients with left hemispheric or right hemispheric lesions (further divided into unilateral hemispheric cortical and subcortical subgroups) and brianstem leison stroke group.To explore the lesion location's effect on different bolus volume, the VFSS measurements of 3ml and 5ml in each subgroups were compared respectively. The measurements of VFSS included the oral transit time, soft palate elevation duration, hyoid bone movement duration (HMD), UES opening duration, pharyngeal transit duration (PTD), stage of ansition duration, and laryngeal closure duration (LCD), the upper esophageal sphincter opening (UESO), hyoid bone superior horizontal displacement, and hyoid bone anterior horizontal displacement. General swallowing function was assessed using the Penetration Aspiration Scale (PAS) and Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS). We performed the paired t-test, Spearman's correlation, and Kruskal-Wallis test analysis to characterize the parameters among the groups. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients were assessed in the final analysis. The HMD (p = 0.019), PTD (p = 0.048) and LCD (p = 0.013) were significantly different between the supratentorial and brainstem lesion groups in 5ml volume. The HMD was significantly different (p = 0.045) between the left cortical and brainstem lesion groups. Significant differences in the HMD (p = 0.037) and LCD (p = 0.032) between the left subcortical and brainstem lesion groups were found in 5ml volume bolus. There was no group different when taking the 3ml volume bolus. Regarding the relationship between food bolus volume and swallowing functions, only the UESO demonstrated a significant difference in the subcortical lesion of the right hemisphere (p = 0.0032) compared the 3 ml and 5 ml volume bolus. The PTD demonstrated a moderate correlation with the PAS scores (r = 0.38, p = 0.0044). The HMD (r = 0.32, p = 0.018) and LCD (r = 0.29, p = 0.039) demonstrated weak correlations with the PAS scores. We did not identify any correlation between the VFSS parameters and FOIS scores in each subgroup level. CONCLUSION: The PSD with brainstem lesion shows more sever dysfunction in the pharyngeal phases. The left hemisphere was engaged in both the oral and pharyngeal phases. Lesions in the bilateral cortical, subcortical, and brainstem regions may impair sensory input.

A Rare Case of Craniocervical Penetrating Injury by a Steel Bar.

RATIONALE: Non-missile penetrating injuries caused by foreign bodies, such as knives or sharp wood, are infrequent. We report a 49-year-old male suffering from severe craniocervical penetrating injury by a steel bar was successfully treated by surgery. CHIEF COMPLAINT: The male patient was a 49-year-old builder. Although working on the construction site, an approximately 60 cm steel bar penetrated the patient's brain vertically through the left top of the head presenting with unconsciousness and intermittent irritability. DIAGNOSIS: Computed tomography of the head showed the entrance and exit of the skull damaged by the steel bar. Three-dimensional reconstruction showed that the steel bar entered the skull from the posterior left coronal suture and penetrated the ipsilateral occipital bone, about 5 cm into the neck soft tissue. INTERVENTION: We successfully performed the operation and removed the steel bar. OUTCOMES: The patient was followed up for 5 years; muscle strength returned to normal. LESSONS: Penetrating injuries caused by steel bars are rare, which always cause severe intracranial injury combined with peripheral tissue injury, by sharing our experience in the treatment of this rare case, we hope to provide a reference for similar injuries in the future.

[Value of metagenomic next-generation sequencing in children with hemophagocytic syndrome with central nervous system involvement]. / å®åŸºå› ç»„äºŒä»£æµ‹åºåœ¨ä¼´æœ‰ä¸­æž¢ç¥žç»ç³»ç»Ÿå—ç´¯å„¿ç«¥å™¬è¡€ç»†èƒžç»¼åˆå¾ä¸­çš„åº”ç”¨ä»·å€¼.

OBJECTIVES: To study the value of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) in detecting intracranial Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection in children with hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) with central nervous system involvement. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed for the cerebrospinal fluid mNGS results of 30 HPS children with central nervous system involvement, which were compared with the results of cerebrospinal fluid EBV-DNA detection and serum EBV antibody profile. The change in serum EBV-DNA copy number after treatment was used to evaluate the efficacy of targeted therapy. RESULTS: The positive rate of EBV in cerebrospinal fluid determined by mNGS was significantly higher than that of EBV-DNA in cerebrospinal fluid (100% vs 10%, P<0.001) and had no significant difference from the positive rate of serum EBV antibody profile (100% vs 93%, P>0.05). The median number of sequences determined by mNGS was 2 400, and serum EBV-DNA copy number before treatment was moderately positively correlated with the number of EBV sequences (rs=0.693, P<0.001). The multiple linear regression analysis showed that the number of sequences determined by mNGS in cerebrospinal fluid increased with the increase in serum EBV-DNA copy number before treatment (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: EBV-associated HPS often results in EBV-infected viral encephalitis, and mNGS can significantly increase the detection rate of EBV in cerebrospinal fluid, which may help with clinical diagnosis.

Assessment of the Hemodynamics of Autogenous Arteriovenous Fistulas With 4D Phase Contrast-Based Flow Quantification MRI in Dialysis Patients.

BACKGROUND: Regular monitoring of autogenous arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) for hemodialysis patients has importance. Hence, 4D flow MRI may be an alternative for assessing the hemodynamics of AVFs. PURPOSE: To compare the hemodynamics of AVFs using Doppler ultrasound (DUS) and 4D-MRI in renal dialysis patients. STUDY TYPE: Case-control study from October 2017 to April 2018. POPULATION: Fifty patients (age [range] = 59.52 [39-71] years) with AVFs were included. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: Black-blood MRI and 4D flow MRI at 3.0T and AVF ultrasonography were also performed. ASSESSMENT: The hemodynamics acquired from 4D flow MRI and ultrasonography by two radiologists were compared. The AVF anatomy was described through an examination of the black-blood MRI. STATISTICAL TESTS: The consistency of AVF anatomy and hemodynamics and the consistency of the hemodynamics of AVFs from 4D flow MRI and ultrasound were analyzed by paired t-tests. The morphological parameters of AVFs acquired from black-blood MRI were used for a Pearson correlation analysis with the hemodynamic parameters obtained from 4D flow MRI data. RESULTS: The consistency of the morphological and hemodynamic parameters measured from MRI by the two radiologists was good (all P < 0.01). The velocities and flow volumes from the 4D flow MRI and vascular ultrasound of AVFs were in moderate agreement (all P < 0.05, r = 0.292-0.569), except for the peak flow velocity at the anastomosis (P = 0.366, r = -0.078). The flow volume and WSS near the anastomotic site were closely related to the morphology of the AVFs (all P < 0.05). The hemodynamics of the complications group were significantly different from those of patients without any complications (normal patients group) (all P < 0.01). DATA CONCLUSION: Compared with ultrasonography, 4D flow MRI is a promising technique to noninvasively estimate the AVF hemodynamics of renal dialysis patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:1272-1280.

Effects of the Preparation Process on the Photocatalytic Performance of Delafossite CuCrO2.

Hydrothermal and solid-state reaction methods are commonly used to prepare the delafossite CuCrO2 photocatalyst. It has been reported that the photocatalytic performances of CuCrO2 samples prepared by these methods are quite different. In order to explore the possible influence of different preparation processes on the photocatalytic performance and the corresponding improvement strategies, this work compares the microstructure and physicochemical properties of the samples prepared by these two methods on the basis of optimizing the process conditions. A CuCrO2 sample prepared by a hydrothermal method is characterized by high purity, low crystallinity, small grain size, and relatively higher photocatalytic activity. A CuCrO2 sample prepared by a solid-state reaction method is characterized by low purity, high crystallinity, large grain size, and relatively lower photocatalytic activity. In combination with DFT calculations, it is confirmed that the CuCrO2 sample prepared by a solid-state reaction method contains a certain amount of interstitial oxygens. Due to the presence of interstitial oxygens, CuCrO2 has strong light absorption in the visible region, presents semimetallic ferromagnetism, and changes the carrier transport, reaction process, and rate on the electrode surface. These findings will contribute to the further development of efficient CuCrO2-based photocatalysts.

Spontaneous Polarization Effect and Photocatalytic Activity of Layered Compound of BiOIO3.

Internal polarized electric field is found to be an effective and available strategy to separate photogenerated electron-hole pairs. By this method, the efficiency of photocatalytic reactions can be obviously enhanced. Here, the layered compound of BiOIO3 with spontaneous polarization was synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method. Taking another bismuth compound BiOI as a counterpart, which has a similar layered structure, the spontaneous polarization effects of BiOIO3 were analyzed and confirmed. The photocatalytic activity of BiOIO3 and BiOI were evaluated by the degradation of methyl orange. Methyl orange was almost completely photocatalytically decomposed by BiOIO3 and BiOI in 40 and 90 min, respectively. The separation and transfer behaviors of photogenerated electron-hole pairs were investigated by a series of photoelectrochemical characterizations. It is further proved the separation and transmission efficiency of BiOIO3 are higher than those of BiOI. According to the results of density of theory calculations, the internal polarized electric field in BiOIO3 is ascribed to the spatial asymmetry of the IO3 group, which is estimated to ∼1.5 × 1010 V/m. Under the action of this internal polarized electric field, the photogenerated electrons and holes would transfer along opposite directions, i.e., photogenerated electrons and holes respectively gather at the Bi/I side and O side. Additionally, superoxide radicals (•O2-) and holes (h+) are produced during the degradation process, which are responsible for the high visible-light photocatalytic activity. Finally, the cyclic degradation test proves that its photocatalytic performance has long-term stability. Therefore, BiOIO3 polar material can be used as one of the alternative materials for efficient photocatalytic reaction.

Health care and risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes among diabetic women: an updated meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Diabetic women appear to have adverse pregnancy outcomes. Although there were two meta-analyzes that examined the association between health care and adverse pregnancy outcomes, their results were limited because they only included congenital anomaly and perinatal mortality, and they did not clarify the detailed situations of diabetes and health care. This meta-analysis aims to completely evaluate the effects of health care in improving adverse pregnancy outcomes among diabetic mothers. METHODS: CNKI, EMBASE, Web of Science, and PubMed databases were searched for eligible studies up to December 2017, without any restrictions. Relevant cohort studies characterizing the relationship between health care and adverse pregnancy outcomes were selected for inclusion in the meta-analysis. We also screened the reference list of relevant studies. The fixed-effect models or random-effect models were used to calculate the risk estimates. The potential sources of heterogeneity were explored by stratified and sensitivity analyzes. RESULTS: Twenty-one studies with 6685 cases were included in our analysis. Health care was associated with significantly decreased risk of congenital anomaly (RR 0.237; 95% CI 0.166-0.338), perinatal death (RR 0.457; 95% CI 0.294-0.712), large for gestational age (LGA) (RR 0.794; 95% CI 0.640-0.986), and neonatal hypoglycemia (RR 0.672; 95% CI 0.486-0.929). Publication bias was not found in most results, with the exception of congenital anomaly and small for gestational age (SGA). CONCLUSION: Health care is associated with decreased risk of congenital anomaly, perinatal death, LGA, neonatal hypoglycemia.

Effects of crystal structure and composition on the photocatalytic performance of Ta-O-N functional materials.

For photocatalytic applications, the response of a material to the solar spectrum and its redox capabilities are two important factors determined by the band gap and band edge position of the electronic structure of the material. The crystal structure and composition of the photocatalyst are fundamental for determining the above factors. In this article, we examine the functional material Ta-O-N as an example of how to discuss relationships among these factors in detail with the use of theoretical calculations. To explore how the crystal structure and composition influence the photocatalytic performance, two groups of Ta-O-N materials were considered: the first group included ε-Ta2O5, TaON, and Ta3N5; the second group included ß-Ta2O5, δ-Ta2O5, ε-Ta2O5, and amorphous-Ta2O5. Calculation results indicated that the band gap and band edge position are determined by interactions between the atomic core and valence electrons, the overlap of valence electronic states, and the localization of valence states. Ta3N5 and TaON are suitable candidates for efficient photocatalysts owing to their photocatalytic water-splitting ability and good utilization efficiency of solar energy. δ-Ta2O5 has a strong oxidation potential and a band gap suitable for absorbing visible light. Thus, it can be applied to photocatalytic degradation of most pollutants. Although a-Ta2O5, ε-Ta2O5, and ß-Ta2O5 cannot be directly used as photocatalysts, they can still be applied to modify conventional Ta-O-N photocatalysts, owing to their similar composition and structure. These calculation results will be helpful as reference data for analyzing the photocatalytic performance of more complicated Ta-O-N functional materials. On the basis of these findings, one could design novel Ta-O-N functional materials for specific photocatalytic applications by tuning the composition and crystal structure.

Synergistic effects of nonmetal co-doping with sulfur in anatase TiO2: a DFT + U study.

Using DFT + U calculations, the crystal structure and electronic properties of nonmetal co-doping with sulfur in anatase TiO2 are systematically investigated. The initial purpose of this work is to improve the photocatalytic performance of S mono-doped TiO2, in which S occupies the lattice Ti site and acts as a recombination center. Among eight nonmetal impurities that occupy the interstitial site of a TiO6 octahedron, the synergistic effects of B, C, and O with S could achieve this purpose: suppressing the recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs by inducing a local inner built-in electric field and eliminating the deep impurity energy bands of S mono-doped TiO2. Furthermore, the photon absorption could be extended to the visible-light region, owing to the overlap of impurity energy bands with the top of the valence band or the bottom of the conduction band. Thus, Ti1-xO2SxBy, Ti1-xO2SxCy and Ti1-xO2SxOy could be considered as promising efficient photocatalysts. Furthermore, the underlying mechanism and tendency of these synergistic effects have been discussed, according to the relationship between the photocatalytic performance and the crystal or electronic structure.

Two new acylated flavonol glycosides from the seeds of Lepidium sativum.

Two new acylated flavonol glycosides named kaempferol-3-O-(2-O-sinapoyl)-ß-D-galactopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-ß-D-glucopyranoside-7-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (1) and quercetin-3-O-(6-O-benzoyl)-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-ß-D-galactopyranoside-7-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (2), were isolated together with six known compounds from the seeds of L. sativum. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis and chemical methods. In vitro 1 and 2 inhibited nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, with IC50 values of 25.36 and 25.08 µM, respectively.

A tubular one-dimensional polymer constructed from alternating clusters of europium(III)-water and copper(I) chloride bridged by 4-(pyridin-4-yl)benzoate.

A new 3d-4f heterometallic polymer, poly[[aqua-µ3-chlorido-[µ3-4-(pyridin-4-yl)benzoato]tris[µ2-4-(pyridin-4-yl)benzoato]dicopper(I)erbium(III)] dihydrate], {[Cu2Er(C12H8NO2)4Cl(H2O)]·2H2O}n, was synthesized by the hydrothermal reaction of Er2O3, CuCl2·2H2O and 4-(pyridin-4-yl)benzoic acid in the presence of HClO4. The asymmetric unit contains one Er(3+) cation, two Cu(+) cations, one Cl(-) anion, four deprotonated 4-(pyridin-4-yl)benzoate ligands, one coordinated aqua ligand and two solvent water molecules. This tubular one-dimensional polymer is constructed from alternating clusters of europium(III)-water and copper(I) chloride bridged by 4-(pyridin-4-yl)benzoate ligands. Extensive hydrogen-bonding interactions involving both the coordinated and the solvent water molecules provide further stabilization to the structure.

Metagenomic next-generation sequencing in a diagnosis of Pneumocystis pneumonia in an X-linked immunodeficient child: a case report.

Background: The diagnosis of Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) remains challenging in certain specific clinical situations. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS), as a novel diagnostic method, may help in the diagnosis of PCP. Case presentation: A 6-month-old male child developed acute pneumonia and sepsis. This child had previously suffered from Escherichia coli septicemia and was cured. However, the fever and dyspnea relapsed. Blood tests revealed a low lymphocyte count (0.69 × 109/L) and acute inflammatory markers such as high-level procalcitonin (8.0 ng/ml) and C-reactive protein (19 mg/dl). Chest imaging showed inflammation and decreased translucency in both lungs but no thymus shadow. Various serology tests, the 1,3-beta-D-glucan test, culture, as well as sputum smear failed to detect any pathogens. mNGS with blood helped identify 133 specific nucleic acid sequences of Pneumocystis jirovecii, suggesting an infection with this pathogen. After treatment with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for 5 days, the patient's condition improved, but the child still needed ventilator support. Unfortunately, the child died soon after because of respiratory failure after his parents decided to abandon treatment. The family declined an autopsy on the child, and therefore, an anatomical diagnosis could not be obtained. Whole-exome sequencing suggested X-linked immunodeficiency. A hemizygous mutation of c.865c > t (p.r289*) was detected in the IL2RG gene, which was inherited from the mother (heterozygous state). Conclusion: This case report highlights the value of mNGS in diagnosing PCP when conventional diagnostic methods fail to identify the agent. Early onset of recurrent infectious diseases may indicate the presence of an immunodeficiency disease, for which timely genetic analysis and diagnosis are crucial.

Family cohesion and adaptability reduces mobile phone addiction: the mediating and moderating roles of automatic thoughts and peer attachment.

With the popularity of mobile Internet devices, the incidence of mobile phone addiction has been increasing, which has aroused the concern of all sectors of society. Due to the difficulty of eliminating the risk factors of mobile phone addiction, it's significant for researchers to examine the function and underlying mechanisms of positive environmental factors in reducing individuals' mobile phone addiction. Thus, the current study aimed to examine the relationship between family cohesion and adaptability and mobile phone addiction among university students and analyzed the mediating role of automatic thoughts as well as the moderating role of peer attachment in this link. The sample consisted of 958 Chinese university students. Participants completed self-report questionnaires assessing family cohesion and adaptability, mobile phone addiction, automatic thoughts, and peer attachment. PROCESS model 8 was significant (the total effect model (F (5, 952) = 19.64, R2 = 0.09, p < 0.001)). Results indicated that family cohesion and adaptability could not only negatively predict mobile phone addiction directly, but also indirectly through the mediating effect of automatic thoughts. Moreover, both the direct association between family cohesion and adaptability and mobile phone addiction as well as the indirect effect of automatic thoughts were moderated by peer attachment. Findings emphasized the beneficial role of peer attachment on the effect of family cohesion and adaptability on automatic thoughts and mobile phone addiction.

The effect of different treatment time of millimeter wave on chondrocyte apoptosis, caspase-3, caspase-8, and MMP-13 expression in rabbit surgically induced model of knee osteoarthritis.

The aim of this study is to observe the effect of different treatment time of millimeter wave (MMW) on chondrocyte apoptosis, caspase-3, caspase-8, and matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) in rabbit knee osteoarthritis induced by anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT). Thirty-two New Zealand White rabbits were randomly assigned into 4 groups: millimeter wave treatment for 20-min group (MWT20); millimeter wave treatment for 40-min group (MWT40); model control group (MC) and normal control group (NC). All groups received anterior cruciate ligament transection in the right knee except NC group. Six weeks after transection, the MWT20 group and MWT40 group were given millimeter wave (MMW) at 37.5 GHz frequency, 8 mm wavelength, and 10 mW/cm(2) power for 20 and 40 min, respectively, for 10 days. Eight weeks after transection, all animals were killed. Modified Mankin Score was assessed for histological assessment. Chondrocytes apoptosis was tested by the TUNEL assessment, and the expressions of related proteins were tested by the immunohistochemistry observation and Western blot. The modified Mankin Score, the chondrocyte apoptosis, and the expression of caspase-3 and MMP-13 in MWT40 group were significantly lower than those in MC group. Only a decreasing trend of modified Mankin Score and caspase-3 and MMP-13 expression was found in MWT20 group. The caspase-8 expression of the treatment groups was lower than model control group and higher than normal control group, but no significant difference was found. This study revealed MWT40 had a better therapeutic benefit to osteoarthritis cartilage structure, decreased the apoptosis of chondrocyte, and caspase-3 and MMP-13 expression compared to MWT20. But only a decreasing trend of caspase-8 expression was found.

The effect of low-level laser to apoptosis of chondrocyte and caspases expression, including caspase-8 and caspase-3 in rabbit surgery-induced model of knee osteoarthritis.

The purpose of this study was to observe the effect of 810-nm low-level laser to apoptosis of chondrocyte and related proteins, including caspase-3 and caspase-8, in rabbit surgery-induced model of knee osteoarthritis. A total of 24 New Zealand White rabbits were randomly assigned into 3 groups: test group, model group, and normal group. The rabbits in test group and model group received anterior cruciate ligament transection in the right knee. Six weeks after transection, the rabbits in test group were given 10-session 810-nm laser illumination. Eight weeks after transection, all animal were killed. Modified Mankin Score was made for histological assessment. The caspases expressions and chondrocytes apoptosis were tested using the immunohistochemistry and TUNEL assessment, respectively. The modified Mankin Score of test group was significantly lower than model group (P < 0.01) and higher than normal group (P < 0.01). The caspase-8 expression of test group was lower than model group and higher than normal group, but no significant difference was found (P > 0.05). This study revealed that the 810-nm low-level laser can improve cartilage structure, prevent articular cartilage degradation and significantly decrease the expression of caspase-3 in this surgery-induced OA model. Further studies are needed.

Poly[[tetra-aqua-di-µ(4)-oxalato-µ(2)-oxalato-dineo-dymium(III)] dihydrate].

The title compound, {[Nd(2)(C(2)O(4))(3)(H(2)O)(4)]·2H(2)O}(n), was synthesized hydro-thermally in the presence of bis-(carb-oxy-ethyl-germanium) sesquioxide. It is isostructural with the corresponding Pr compound [Yang et al. (2009). Acta Cryst. E65, m1152-m1153]. The Nd(3+) cation is nine-coordinated and its coordination polyhedron can be described as a distorted tricapped trigonal prism. Two Nd(3+) ions are connected by two O atoms from two oxalate ions to give a dinuclear Nd(2) unit. The unit is further linked to four others via four oxalate ions yielding a layerparallel to (0-11). The linkages between the layers by neighbouring oxalate anions lead to a three-dimensional framework with channels along the c axis. The coordinating and free water mol-ecules are located in the channels and make contact with each other and the host framework by weak O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds.

Catalytically efficient Ni-NiOx-Y2O3 interface for medium temperature water-gas shift reaction.

The metal-support interfaces between metals and oxide supports have long been studied in catalytic applications, thanks to their significance in structural stability and efficient catalytic activity. The metal-rare earth oxide interface is particularly interesting because these early transition cations have high electrophilicity, and therefore good binding strength with Lewis basic molecules, such as H2O. Based on this feature, here we design a highly efficient composite Ni-Y2O3 catalyst, which forms abundant active Ni-NiOx-Y2O3 interfaces under the water-gas shift (WGS) reaction condition, achieving 140.6 µmolCO gcat-1 s-1 rate at 300 °C, which is the highest activity for Ni-based catalysts. A combination of theory and ex/in situ experimental study suggests that Y2O3 helps H2O dissociation at the Ni-NiOx-Y2O3 interfaces, promoting this rate limiting step in the WGS reaction. Construction of such new interfacial structure for molecules activation holds great promise in many catalytic systems.

Rational Design of a Two-Dimensional Janus CuFeO2+δ Single Layer as a Photocatalyst and Photoelectrode.

The exfoliation of 2D nanomaterials from 3D multimetal oxides with a stable structure is a great challenge. Herein, a delafossite CuFeO2+δ nanosheet becomes an open-layered structure by introducing excess oxygen so that the 2D Janus CuFeO2+δ single layer can be further obtained by aqueous ultrasonic exfoliation. The 2D Janus CuFeO2+δ single layer breaks the limitation of mirror symmetry, which is very beneficial to the effective separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. Serving as both a photoelectrode and a photocatalyst, the 2D Janus CuFeO2+δ single layer/few layer remarkably enhances the photocatalytic activity with long-term stability: the photocurrent density is increased by 2-fold, and the rate of H2 evolution is increased by 1.5-fold, in comparison with the counterpart of unexfoliated CuFeO2+δ nanosheets. This work demonstrates that 2D nanomaterials can be directly exfoliated from 3D nanomaterials by rational composition and microstructure design, which is helpful in promoting the development of bimetallic-oxide-ene (BMOene) as a novel functional material.

No significant association of serum klotho concentration with blood pressure and pulse wave velocity in a Chinese population.

Klotho, an important anti-aging protein, may be related to elevated blood pressure (BP) and arterial stiffness. We aimed to investigate associations between the serum klotho concentration and peripheral/central BP and arterial stiffness based on the carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) in a Chinese population. We invited all inhabitants aged ≥ 18 years in two Dali communities for participation. The SphygmoCor system was used to record radial arterial waveforms. Aortic waveforms were derived using a generalized transfer function. The central BP was assessed by calibrating the brachial BP, which was measured using an oscillometric device. The serum klotho concentration was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and logarithmically transformed. Of the 716 participants (mean age: 51.9 ± 12.6 years), 467 (65.2%) were women. The median serum klotho concentration was 381.8 pg/mL. The serum klotho concentration did not significantly differ between patients with and without hypertension (P > 0.05) and between those with and without arterial stiffness (cfPWV ≥ 10 m/s) (P > 0.05). After adjusting for confounders, the serum klotho concentration was not significantly associated with the peripheral or central BP (P > 0.05) and cfPWV (P > 0.05). Our data indicated that the serum klotho concentration was not associated with BP or cfPWV in the general Chinese population.