Application of the hydrochemistry, stable isotopes and MixSIAR model to identify nitrate sources and transformations in surface water and groundwater of an intensive agricultural karst wetland in Guilin, China.

Karst water as the vital water supply source is generally suffered from NO3- contamination in intensive agricultural areas worldwide. Identifying NO3- sources and transformations is the key for understanding nitrogen pathways, and also for effectively controlling diffuse NO3- pollution. In this study, chemical variables and stable isotopes (δ2H-H2O, δ18O-H2O, δ15N-NO3- and δ18O-NO3-) were measured in 10 surface water (SW) samples and 13 groundwater (GW) samples collected from the Huixian karst wetland, with the application of a Bayesian stable isotope mixing model (MixSIAR) to identified NO3- sources and biogeochemical transformations. The results showed that the NO3- concentrations ranged from the below detection limit to 117 mg/L, with 30.8% of GW samples obtained from the north central part of the study area exceeding the maximum permissible limit for drinking water, and posing significant non-carcinogenic health risks for native people through drinking water pathway. Moreover, based on characteristics of the hydrochemistry and stable isotopes, different biogeochemical fates were evaluated in SW and GW: nitrification process was a dominant factor in GW, as a result of high NO3- levels, and this microbial process was unlikely occurred in SW associated with relatively anaerobic condition and low NO3- levels; however, the denitrification might not be a main process of degradation NO3- levels throughout the study area. The MixSIAR outputs revealed that the long-term application of synthetic NH4+ fertilizer (36.6%) and soil organic nitrogen (28.0%) were the main contributors to NO3- pollution, followed by synthetic NO3- fertilizer (16.8%) and domestic sewage and manure (15.1%), whereas NO3- in precipitation (3.44%) played a less important role. Additionally, NO3- concentration was significantly influenced by agricultural activities rather than NO3- source's contribution between SW and GW. This work suggests that synthetic NH4+ fertilizer should be the primary target for control to prevent further NO3- pollution of the karst groundwater.

Clinical efficacy and safety of maintenance therapy for advanced non-small cell lung cancer: a retrospective real-world study.

BACKGROUND: The clinical efficacy and safety of maintenance therapy (MT) for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have not been determined in the real word. This retrospective study of real-world data analyzed these issues in patients with advanced NSCLC and stable or responsive tumors after 4-6 cycles of first-line chemotherapy. METHODS: We classified 158 patients into MT (34 IIIB and 37 IV stage) and non-MT (47 IIIB and 40 IV stage) groups and then compared the clinical outcomes of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). The influences of maintaining chemotherapy or targeted drugs, regimens, and duration on PFS were also investigated. Prognostic factors for OS were identified by univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Among the patients, 71 received MT and 87 did not. The median PFS and OS were significantly prolonged in the MT group than non-MT group (5.6 and 14.2 vs. 2.8 and 9.8 months, respectively; both p < 0.0001). The PFS was extended when patients were maintained with targeted drugs compared with chemotherapy, > 4 cycles of chemotherapy, and targeted drugs for > 3 months (all P < 0.0001). Patients with adenocarcinoma and without distant metastasis derived a better OS benefit from MT (P = 0.041 and P = 0.037, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed that female sex and MT were independent prognostic factors for extended OS (P = 0.039 and P < 0.0001, respectively). The major adverse events of MT comprised tolerable hematological toxicity and gastrointestinal reactions. CONCLUSIONS: MT was advantageous and tolerable for patients with advanced NSCLC, especially those with adenocarcinomas without distant metastasis who were treated with targeted drugs, which was an independent prognostic factor for OS.

Benefits and Risks of Subsection Laminectomy with Pedicle Screw Fixation for Ossification of the Ligamentum Flavum of the Thoracic Spine: A Retrospective Study of 30 Patients.

BACKGROUND This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of subsection laminectomy with pedicle screw fixation (SLPF) for the treatment of ossification of the ligamentum flavum of the thoracic spine. MATERIAL AND METHODS Thirty patients (age, 40-71 years) with ossification of the ligamentum flavum of the thoracic spine underwent SLPF (13 men, 17 women). Operative time, intraoperative blood loss, preoperative and postoperative change in thoracic kyphosis, and perioperative complications were recorded. The Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score for severity of myelopathy and the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) motor and sensory impairment scale were used before and after surgery. RESULTS Mean operative time for SLPF was 208.4±38.3 min and mean intraoperative blood loss was 689.3±171.7 ml. The mean JOA score significantly increased from 5.7±1.9 before surgery to 8.8±2.2 at one month after surgery and 9.3±2.7 at the last follow-up (P<0.01). Postoperative improvement in neurological function increased by 68.3±14.4%. The postoperative ASIA grades significantly improved compared with the preoperative grades (P<0.01). The mean local Cobb angle significantly decreased from 17.8±4.3° before surgery to 15.4±3.6° at one month after surgery and 15.8±3.8° at the last follow-up (P<0.01). Three patients (10%) had operative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. Postoperatively, one patient had neurological deterioration, two patients had deep venous thrombosis (DVT), and one patient developed a wound infection. CONCLUSIONS SLPF was an effective procedure for the treatment of ossification of the ligamentum flavum of the thoracic spine.

Semisynthesis of (-)-Rutamarin Derivatives and Their Inhibitory Activity on Epstein-Barr Virus Lytic Replication.

(+)-Rutamarin inhibits EBV lytic DNA replication with an IC50 of 7.0 µM. (-)-Chalepin, a (-)-rutamarin derivative, was isolated from the whole plant of Ruta graveolens and used as a precursor of (-)-rutamarin. Altogether, 28 (-)-rutamarin derivatives were synthesized starting from (-)-chalepin. Of these, 16 compounds (2a-e, 3b-e, 3g, 4f, 4k, 4m-p) were found to be more potent against EBV lytic DNA replication than (-)-chalepin. Compounds 4m, 4n, and 4p exhibited IC50 values of 1.5, 0.32, and 0.83 µM and showed selectivity index values (SI) of 801, 211, and >120, respectively. Thus, compounds 4m, 4n, and 4p are considered promising leads for further laboratory investigation.

Synthesis, antitumor activity, and mechanism of action of 6-acrylic phenethyl ester-2-pyranone derivatives.

Based on the scaffolds of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) as well as bioactive lactone-containing compounds, 6-acrylic phenethyl ester-2-pyranone derivatives were synthesized and evaluated against five tumor cell lines (HeLa, C6, MCF-7, A549, and HSC-2). Most of the new derivatives exhibited moderate to potent cytotoxic activity. Moreover, HeLa cell lines showed higher sensitivity to these compounds. In particular, compound showed potent cytotoxic activity (IC50 = 0.50-3.45 µM) against the five cell lines. Further investigation on the mechanism of action showed that induced apoptosis, arrested the cell cycle at G2/M phases in HeLa cells, and inhibited migration through disruption of the actin cytoskeleton. In addition, ADMET properties were also calculated in silico, and compound showed good ADMET properties with good absorption, low hepatotoxicity, and good solubility, and thus, could easily be bound to carrier proteins, without inhibition of CYP2D6. A structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis indicated that compounds with ortho-substitution on the benzene ring exhibited obviously increased cytotoxic potency. This study indicated that compound is a promising compound as an antitumor agent.

Epitympanoplasty with cartilage obliteration in the preservation of posterior canal wall: a technique for surgical treatment of attic cholesteatoma.

To report and evaluate the surgical outcomes of the treatment of attic cholesteatoma using epitympanoplasty with cartilage obliteration in the preservation of the posterior canal wall. Our study group consists of 138 subjects with attic cholesteatoma who underwent surgery of the mastoidectomy of the intact posterior canal wall and epitympanoplasty with cartilage obliteration, from November 2008 to November 2010. The major techniques employed included the following: (1) mastoidectomy with the preservation of the posterior canal; (2) removal of the scutum; (3) epitympanum obliteration with cartilage, and (4) mastoid obliteration with bone dust. The post-operative observation period was between 2 and 4 years. All patients were examined via microscopy and oto-endoscopy. Of these 138 subjects, 91 subjects have a follow up period of more than 3 years. There was no retraction pocket formation in the epitympanum in all cases. However, in two subjects, there was a recurrence of cholesteatoma within the mesotympanum. Other observable post-surgery complications were also recorded. For hearing results, 64 of the 138 subjects underwent post-operative audiometric testing for 2 to 3 years and 3 to 4 years consecutively. The average pre- and post-operative air-bone gap closure was found to be 11.97 ± 11.02 dB for the 2 to 3 year period, and 10.08 ± 10.34 dB for the 3 to 4 year period. Based on the results of our study group, epitympanoplasty with cartilage obliteration in the preservation of the posterior canal wall is a better alternative treatment technique for attic cholesteatoma.

Automated analysis of pectoralis major thickness in pec-fly exercises: evolving from manual measurement to deep learning techniques.

This study addresses a limitation of prior research on pectoralis major (PMaj) thickness changes during the pectoralis fly exercise using a wearable ultrasound imaging setup. Although previous studies used manual measurement and subjective evaluation, it is important to acknowledge the subsequent limitations of automating widespread applications. We then employed a deep learning model for image segmentation and automated measurement to solve the problem and study the additional quantitative supplementary information that could be provided. Our results revealed increased PMaj thickness changes in the coronal plane within the probe detection region when real-time ultrasound imaging (RUSI) visual biofeedback was incorporated, regardless of load intensity (50% or 80% of one-repetition maximum). Additionally, participants showed uniform thickness changes in the PMaj in response to enhanced RUSI biofeedback. Notably, the differences in PMaj thickness changes between load intensities were reduced by RUSI biofeedback, suggesting altered muscle activation strategies. We identified the optimal measurement location for the maximal PMaj thickness close to the rib end and emphasized the lightweight applicability of our model for fitness training and muscle assessment. Further studies can refine load intensities, investigate diverse parameters, and employ different network models to enhance accuracy. This study contributes to our understanding of the effects of muscle physiology and exercise training.

Risk factors for poor outcomes in patients with acute lower leg compartment syndrome: a retrospective study of 103 cases.

PURPOSE: The primary aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors associated with poor outcomes following acute compartment syndrome (ACS) of lower leg. The secondary objective was to determine if delayed fasciotomy is linked to poor outcomes. METHODS: In this retrospective case control study approved by the institutional review board, we identified 103 patients with ACS of the lower leg. Poor outcome was defined as a composite variable that included limb amputation, neurological deficit and contracture. Among these, 44 patients exhibited poor outcome while 59 patients demonstrated a good outcome. Patient-related factors, laboratory values, and treatment-related factors were analyzed using electronic medical records. Univariate statistical and logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine significance. RESULTS: Bivariate analyses showed that the mechanism of injury (P = 0.021), open injury (P = 0.001), arterial injury (P<0.001), hemoglobin levels (HB) (P < 0.001), white blood cell count (WBC) (P = 0.008), albumin levels (ALB) (P<0.001), creatine kinase levels (CK) at presentation (P = 0.015), CK at peak (P<0.001), creatine kinase levels (Ca) (P = 0.004), dehydrating agent (P = 0.036), and debridement (P = 0.005) were found to be associated with the risk of poor outcomes. Logistic regression analyses revealed that arterial injury [ P< 0.001, OR = 66.172, 95% CI (10.536, 415.611)] was an independent risk factor for poor outcomes. However, HB [P = 0.005, OR = 0.934, 95% CI (0.891, 0.979)] was a protective factor against poor outcomes. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that the cut-off values of HB to prevent poor outcome following ACS was 102.45 g/L. CONCLUSIONS: ACS of the lower leg is a serious complication often associated with a poor prognosis. Patients with arterial injury or lower HB have a significantly increased risk of having poor outcomes. Poor outcomes were not found to be associated with the timing of fasciotomy in this study.

MbEOMT1 regulates methyleugenol biosynthesis in Melaleuca bracteata F. Muell.

Methyleugenol, a bioactive compound in the phenylpropene family, undergoes its final and crucial biosynthetic transformation when eugenol O-methyltransferase (EOMT) converts eugenol into methyleugenol. While Melaleuca bracteata F. Muell essential oil is particularly rich in methyleugenol, it contains only trace amounts of its precursor, eugenol. This suggests that the EOMT enzyme in M. bracteata is highly efficient, although it has not yet been characterized. In this study, we isolated and identified an EOMT gene from M. bracteata, termed MbEOMT1, which is primarily expressed in the flowers and leaves and is inducible by methyl jasmonate (MeJA). Subcellular localization of MbEOMT1 in the cytoplasm was detected. Through transient overexpression experiments, we found that MbEOMT1 significantly elevates the concentration of methyleugenol in M. bracteata leaves. Conversely, silencing of MbEOMT1 via virus-induced gene silencing led to a marked reduction in methyleugenol levels. Our in vitro enzymatic assays further confirmed that MbEOMT1 specifically catalyzes the methylation of eugenol. Collectively, these findings establish that the MbEOMT1 gene is critical for methyleugenol biosynthesis in M. bracteata. This study enriches the understanding of phenylpropene biosynthesis and suggests that MbEOMT1 could serve as a valuable catalyst for generating bioactive compounds in the future.

Phylogenetic and Morphological Evidence for Three New Species of Diaporthales (Ascomycota) from Fujian Province, China.

Members of the fungal order Diaporthales are sac fungi that include plant pathogens (the notorious chestnut blight fungus), as well as saprobes and endophytes, and are capable of colonizing a wide variety of substrates in different ecosystems, habitats, and hosts worldwide. However, many Diaporthales species remain unidentified, and various inconsistencies within its taxonomic category remain to be resolved. Here, we aimed to identify and classify new species of Diaporthales by using combined morphological and molecular characterization and coupling this information to expand our current phylogenetic understanding of this order. Fungal samples were obtained from dead branches and diseasedleaves of Camellia (Theaceae) and Castanopsis (Fagaceae) in Fujian Province, China. Based on morphological characteristics and molecular phylogenetic analyses derived from the combined nucleotide sequences of loci of the internal transcribed spacer regions with the intervening 5.8S nrRNA gene (ITS), the 28S large subunit of nuclear ribosomal RNA gene (LSU), the translation elongation factor 1-α gene (tef1), the partial beta-tubulin gene (tub2), and partial RNA polymerase II second-largest subunit gene (rpb2), three new species of Diaporthales were identified and characterized. They are as follows: Chrysofolia camelliae sp. nov., Dendrostoma castanopsidis sp. nov., and Pseudoplagiostoma wuyishanense sp. nov. They are described and illustrated. This study extends our understanding of species diversity within the Diaporthales.

Understanding and exploring the diversity of soil microorganisms in tea (Camellia sinensis) gardens: toward sustainable tea production.

Leaves of Camellia sinensis plants are used to produce tea, one of the most consumed beverages worldwide, containing a wide variety of bioactive compounds that help to promote human health. Tea cultivation is economically important, and its sustainable production can have significant consequences in providing agricultural opportunities and lowering extreme poverty. Soil parameters are well known to affect the quality of the resultant leaves and consequently, the understanding of the diversity and functions of soil microorganisms in tea gardens will provide insight to harnessing soil microbial communities to improve tea yield and quality. Current analyses indicate that tea garden soils possess a rich composition of diverse microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) of which the bacterial Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, Firmicutes and Chloroflexi and fungal Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Glomeromycota are the prominent groups. When optimized, these microbes' function in keeping garden soil ecosystems balanced by acting on nutrient cycling processes, biofertilizers, biocontrol of pests and pathogens, and bioremediation of persistent organic chemicals. Here, we summarize research on the activities of (tea garden) soil microorganisms as biofertilizers, biological control agents and as bioremediators to improve soil health and consequently, tea yield and quality, focusing mainly on bacterial and fungal members. Recent advances in molecular techniques that characterize the diverse microorganisms in tea gardens are examined. In terms of viruses there is a paucity of information regarding any beneficial functions of soil viruses in tea gardens, although in some instances insect pathogenic viruses have been used to control tea pests. The potential of soil microorganisms is reported here, as well as recent techniques used to study microbial diversity and their genetic manipulation, aimed at improving the yield and quality of tea plants for sustainable production.

[Analysis of risk factors for spontaneous rupture of hepatocellular carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the risk factors for spontaneous rupture of hepatocellular carcinoma (SRHC). METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 34 consecutive patients with SRHC treated by emergency interventional embolization in our hospital from July 2003 to July 2011 was conducted. General condition, laboratory examination and imaging data were analyzed, and compared with the data of 34 patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma but without rupture, randomly selected from 215 concurrent patients. The patients with SRHC were selected for risk factor analysis, and the non-SRHC patients were taken as control group. RESULTS: No significant difference between the SRHC group and control group was found in age, sex, Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) grade, Barcelona clinic liver cancer (BCLC) stage, HBsAg, HBsAb, HBeAg, HBeAb, HBcAb, prothrombin time (PT), thrombin time (TT), international normalized ratio (INR), glucose (GLU), cirrhosis, portal tumor thrombus, the maximum diameter of tumor, location, and cholecystitis or cholelithiasis. The univariate analysis showed that activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), lower or normal plasma fibrinogen (FIB) level, alpha fetoprotein (AFP), tumor protrusion > 1 cm above the liver surface were all associated with increased risk of SRHC (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis only showed that lower or normal level of FIB (P = 0.033) and tumor protrusion > 1 cm above the liver surface (P = 0.041) were significant independent risk factors for SRHC. CONCLUSION: Lower or normal level of FIB and tumor protrusion > 1 cm above the liver surface are significant independent risk factors for spontaneous rupture of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Does the environmental protection tax reduce environmental pollution? Evidence from a quasi-natural experiment in China.

The environmental protection tax (EPT) is an important environmental policy in China. However, it remains unclear whether the EPT has reduced environmental pollution effectively since its implementation in 2018. Based on the panel data of 229 prefecture-level cities in China during 2015-2019 and the difference-in-differences (DID) model, this study empirically assesses the causal effect of the EPT on environmental pollution. It is found that the EPT has a significantly negative effect on industrial sulfur dioxide (SO2) and industrial soot (dust) emissions but has no significant impact on industrial wastewater emissions. The mechanism analysis reveals that the EPT has the tax enforcement effect and energy efficiency effect, that is, the EPT reduces pollution emissions through increasing actual tax burden and improving the efficiency of energy utilization. However, the innovation effect is weak, which is only effective in reducing industrial SO2 emissions. Finally, we compare how different types of cities responded to the EPT. The results show that the EPT has limited effect on environmental pollution in large cities and southern China.

Chinese yam yield is affected by soil nutrient levels and interactions among N, P, and K fertilizers.

Objective: The current fertilization methods for Chinese yam are uneconomic and unfriend to environment. A rational one is very important to achieve desired balance of high yield of Chinese yam, economic and friend to environment. Here, we studied the effects of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) fertilizers on the yield of 'Qinfeng' Chinese yam in shallow-groove directional cultivation. Methods: The experiments were conducted in Dehua County, Fujian Province, China using a "3414" optimal design. Overall, three fertilizer factors (N, P, and K) were evaluated at the following four levels: 0, no fertilizer; 1, 0.5-fold the typical rate; 2, typical fertilization rate; and 3, 1.5-fold the typical rate. There were 14 different fertilization treatments. Results: Treatment 6 (N2P2K2) produced the longest (75.6 cm) and thickest tubers (4.9 cm) with the highest tuber fresh weight (1311.9 g) and yield (41 015.9 kg/hm2), whereas, treatment 1 produced the shortest (65.6 cm) and thinnest tubers (3.9 cm) with the lowest fresh weight (953.4 g) and yield (28 532.8 kg/hm2) among the 14 fertilizer combinations. The experimental data could be fitted to single-variable quadratic and binary quadratic models but not to a ternary quadratic polynomial model. Appropriate N, P, and K fertilizer application rates increased Chinese yam yield. However, excessive fertilization lowered the yield. Chinese yam yield was significantly and strongly correlated with the amounts of N, P, and K fertilizer applied. Conclusion: Based on the single variable quadratic and binary quadratic models, we propose that the quantities of N, P, and K fertilizer used to grow 1 hm2 'Qinfeng' Chinese yam should be 360-388.3, 90-100.95, and 416.3-675 kg, respectively.

A high propensity for excessive daytime sleepiness independent of lifestyle is associated with cognitive performance in community-dwelling older adults.

Objective: The relationship between excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and cognitive performance of older adults remains unclear, especially when a healthy lifestyle is considered. The study aimed to explore the association between EDS in passive and active situations and general cognitive function among community-dwelling older adults. Methods: Two hundred and seventy-one older adults aged 60 and above were recruited from the community cohort in Shangrao. All study participants were free of depression and dementia. The Chinese version of the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (CESS) was used to evaluate EDS. Using the item scores of CESS, the presence of EDS among all study participants were grouped as non-EDS, passive situation-related EDS (PSR-EDS), active situation-related EDS (ASR-EDS), and high sleep propensity (HSP). The Hong Kong Brief Cognitive Test (HKBC) was used to assess cognitive function. Chinese healthy lifestyle metrics were scored based on AHA Life Simple-7. The multivariate logistic regression model was used to estimate the association between the presence of EDS and cognitive function. Results: The PSR-EDS (n = 29, 20.8 ± 5.3) and the HSP groups (n = 21, 19.8 ± 4.8) scored lower with HKBC than in the non-EDS group (n = 213, 23.2 ± 4.9). The subdomain performance of language in the HSP group was poorer than in the non-EDS group (ps < 0.05). Relative to non-EDS, HSP (OR = 3.848, 95% CI = 1.398-10.591) was associated with an increased risk of poor cognitive performance after adjusting age, sex, education, and healthy lifestyle metrics. Conclusion: High propensity for excessive daytime sleepiness, irrespective of lifestyle, is associated with poorer cognitive performance among community-dwelling older adults. The findings may provide empirical evidence to support sleepiness intervention for reducing the risk of cognitive decline.

The Role of MbEGS1 and MbEGS2 in Methyleugenol Biosynthesis by Melaleuca bracteata.

Many aromatic plant volatile compounds contain methyleugenol, which is an attractant for insect pollination and has antibacterial, antioxidant, and other properties. The essential oil of Melaleuca bracteata leaves contains 90.46% methyleugenol, which is an ideal material for studying the biosynthetic pathway of methyleugenol. Eugenol synthase (EGS) is one of the key enzymes involved in the synthesis of methyleugenol. We recently reported two eugenol synthase genes (MbEGS1 and MbEGS2) present in M. bracteata, where MbEGS1 and MbEGS2 were mainly expressed in flowers, followed by leaves, and had the lowest expression levels in stems. In this study, the functions of MbEGS1 and MbEGS2 in the biosynthesis of methyleugenol were investigated using transient gene expression technology and virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) technology in M. bracteata. Here, in the MbEGSs genes overexpression group, the transcription levels of the MbEGS1 gene and MbEGS2 gene were increased 13.46 times and 12.47 times, respectively, while the methyleugenol levels increased 18.68% and 16.48%. We further verified the function of the MbEGSs genes by using VIGS, as the transcript levels of the MbEGS1 and MbEGS2 genes were downregulated by 79.48% and 90.35%, respectively, and the methyleugenol content in M. bracteata decreased by 28.04% and 19.45%, respectively. The results indicated that the MbEGS1 and MbEGS2 genes were involved in the biosynthesis of methyleugenol, and the transcript levels of the MbEGS1 and MbEGS2 genes correlated with the methyleugenol content in M. bracteata.

Hybrid high-concentration photovoltaic system designed for different weather conditions.

In this study, we propose a novel high-concentration photovoltaic (HCPV) cell by considering both the light leakage characteristics of the Fresnel-lens-based solar cell modules and the performance issues arising from cloud shading in practical use. We use our self-constructed systems to conduct field measurements for up to half a year under various environmental conditions. According to the acquired results, it was surprising to know that in the area other than the focusing area, the so-called light leakage region, there always bears illuminance of about 20,000-40,000 lx whether it is a sunny day or a cloudy day with different cloud conditions. Such an interesting result is caused by the light scattering of the clouds and the inherent leakage characteristic of a Fresnel lens. To prove this important finding, we simulated the illuminance of the Fresnel lens structure used in the measurement with apertures of different sizes to determine the detected area. In the laboratory, the diffuse plates were used to mimic the situation of varying cloud layer thicknesses. The trend of calculated and measured results fitted well with the field measurements. Also, the experimental and simulation results show that the round angle and draft facet of the Fresnel lens were responsible for light leakage. This finding prompted us to propose a hybrid high-concentration solar module in which more cost-effective polycrystalline silicon solar cells are placed around the high-efficiency wafer of HCPV to capture the dissipated light leakage and convert it into usable electricity.

[Spatial Distribution, Source Analysis, and Health Risk Assessment of Metal Elements in Karst Water in Southeastern Chongqing].

Dispersed karst water is an important water supply source, or even the only water supply source, for some districts and counties in Chongqing City. It is particularly necessary to understand the distribution characteristics of metal elements in karst water and the health risks exposed. In this study, the scattered karst water in the southeastern part of Chongqing was taken as the main research object, and the concentrations of Al, Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr, Cd, Ni, Mn, As, and Hg in 42 groups of karst spring water samples were determined. The spatial distribution of metal elements with a high detection rate was revealed using the ordinary kriging interpolation method, and the spatial distribution characteristics, sources, and health risks of metal elements were analyzed using multivariate statistical methods and health risk models. The results showed that the quality of dispersed karst water in southeastern Chongqing was generally good, and the spatial scale variability in the occurrence of metal elements in karst water was strong, especially for Ni and As. The sources of Cu, Pb, As, Zn, and Cr were mainly affected by the regional geological background; Al and Mn were mainly affected by human industrial, agricultural, and mining activities; and Ni was affected by both the natural background and human activities. The total health risk of exposure through the drinking route was higher than that of the skin infiltration route, which was the main exposure route of the human body. The total health risk of children exposed through the drinking route was higher than that of adults, and the total health risk of adults exposed through the skin infiltration route was higher than that of children. It is worth noting that Cr was the determinant of total health risk. From the perspective of drinking water safety, local residents need to pay certain attention to water quality when drinking distributed karst groundwater, in order to reduce the health risk of the population.

Synergetic roadmap of carbon neutrality and clean air for China.

It is well recognized that carbon dioxide and air pollutants share similar emission sources so that synergetic policies on climate change mitigation and air pollution control can lead to remarkable co-benefits on greenhouse gas reduction, air quality improvement, and improved health. In the context of carbon peak, carbon neutrality, and clean air policies, this perspective tracks and analyzes the process of the synergetic governance of air pollution and climate change in China by developing and monitoring 18 indicators. The 18 indicators cover the following five aspects: air pollution and associated weather-climate conditions, progress in structural transition, sources, inks, and mitigation pathway of atmospheric composition, health impacts and benefits of coordinated control, and synergetic governance system and practices. By tracking the progress in each indicator, this perspective presents the major accomplishment of coordinated control, identifies the emerging challenges toward the synergetic governance, and provides policy recommendations for designing a synergetic roadmap of Carbon Neutrality and Clean Air for China.

[Comparative study of determining the sites of airway obstruction in obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome between real-time CT scans and laryngofiberscope technology].

OBJECTIVE: To compare 256-layer spiral computed tomography (CT) scan in sleep and laryngofiberscope technology for locating obstructive sites of upper airway in patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome, analyze their advantages and disadvantages and discuss the clinical application values. METHODS: A total of 59 patients with OSAHS diagnosed by polysomnography underwent spiral CT scan in awake and drug-induced sleep states and laryngofiberscope examination in awake state to assess the sites of airway obstruction. RESULTS: Real-time CT scans were completed successfully in all patients. There were airway obstruction at isolated retropalatal region (real-time CT revealing n = 26, laryngofiberscope revealing n = 34), retropalatal and retroglottal regions simultaneously (real-time CT revealing n = 19, laryngofiberscope revealing n = 10), retropalatal and epiglottal regions simultaneously (real-time CT revealing n = 6, laryngofiberscope revealing n = 2), retropalatal and retroglottal and epiglottal regions simultaneously (real-time CT revealing n = 7, laryngofiberscope revealing n = 3) and no airway obstruction (real-time CT revealing n = 1, laryngofiberscope revealing n = 10). There was not solitary airway obstruction at retroglottal or epiglottal region. The results of real-time CT scans and laryngofiberscope examination were statistically significant different in all regions, and real-time CT scanning compared with laryngofiberscope found more obstructive sites of upper airway [retropalatal region: 98.3% (n = 58) vs 81.4% (n = 48), χ(2) = 5.82, P < 0.05; retroglottal regions: 44.1% (n = 26) vs 22.0% (n = 13), χ(2) = 9.60, P < 0.01; epiglottal regions: 22.0% (n = 13) vs 8.5% (n = 5), χ(2) = 4.90, P < 0.05]. CONCLUSION: Compared with laryngofiberscope examination,real-time dynamic CT scans in drug-induced sleep state could get more information about anatomy changes of upper airway, providing relatively objective morphological basis for diagnosis and treatment of patients with OSAHS.