Anthropogenic Activities Generate High-Refractory Black Carbon along the Yangtze River Continuum

12 pages, 7 figuresCombustion-driven particulate black carbon (PBC) is a crucial slow-cycling pool in the organic carbon flux from rivers to oceans. Since the refractoriness of PBC stems from the association of non-homologous char and soot, the composition and source of char and soot must be considered when investigating riverine PBC. Samples along the Yangtze River continuum during different hydrological periods were collected in this study to investigate the association and asynchronous combustion drive of char and soot in PBC. The results revealed that PBC in the Yangtze River, with higher refractory nature, accounts for 13.73 ± 6.89% of particulate organic carbon, and soot occupies 37.53 ± 11.00% of PBC. The preponderant contribution of fossil fuel combustion to soot (92.57 ± 3.20%) compared to char (27.55 ± 5.92%), suggested that fossil fuel combustion is a crucial driver for PBC with high soot percentage. Redundancy analysis and structural equation modeling confirmed that the fossil fuel energy used by anthropogenic activities promoting soot is the crucial reason for high-refractory PBC. We estimated that the Yangtze River transported 0.15–0.23 Tg of soot and 0.15–0.25 Tg of char to the ocean annually, and the export of large higher refractory PBC to the ocean can form a long-term sink and prolong the residence time of terrigenous carbonThis study was supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (nos. 42277214, 42207256, and 41971286), major programs of the National Social Science Foundation of China (grant nos. 22&ZD136), the Special Science and Technology Innovation Program for Carbon Peak and Carbon Neutralization of Jiangsu Province (grant no. BE2022612)Peer reviewe

Generalisability of and lessons learned from a mixed-methods study conducted in three low- and middle-income countries to identify care pathways for atrial fibrillation

BackgroundIdentifying existing care pathways is the first step for understanding how services can be improved to enable early diagnosis and effective follow-up care for non-communicable diseases (NCDs); however, evidence on how care pathways can and should be identified in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is lacking.ObjectiveTo describe generalisability and lessons learned from recruitment and data collection for the quantitative component of a mixed methods study designed to determine the care pathway for atrial fibrillation (AF) in Brazil, China and Sri Lanka.MethodsAdults (≥18 years) that spoke the local language and with an AF diagnosis were eligible. We excluded anyone with a hearing or cognitive impairment or ineligible address. Eligible participants were identified using electronic records in Brazil and China; in Sri Lanka, researchers attended the outpatient clinics to identify eligible participants. Data were collected using two quantitative questionnaires administered at least 2-months apart. A minimum sample size of 238 was required for each country.ResultsThe required sample size was met in Brazil (n = 267) and China (n = 298), but a large proportion of AF patients could not be contacted (47% and 27%, respectively) or refused to participate (36% and 38%, respectively). In Sri Lanka, recruitment was challenging, resulting in a reduced sample (n = 151). Mean age of participants from Brazil, China and Sri Lanka was 69 (SD = 11.3), 65 (SD = 12.8) and 58 (SD = 11.7), respectively. Females accounted for 49% of the Brazil sample, 62% in China and 70% in Sri Lanka.ConclusionsGeneralisability was an issue in Brazil and China, as was selection bias. Recruitment bias was highlighted in Sri Lanka. Additional or alternative recruitment methods may be required to ensure generalisability and reduce bias in future studies aimed at identifying NCD care pathways in LMICs

miR-182 Regulates Metabolic Homeostasis by Modulating Glucose Utilization in Muscle

SummaryUnderstanding the fiber-type specification and metabolic switch in skeletal muscle provides insights into energy metabolism in physiology and diseases. Here, we show that miR-182 is highly expressed in fast-twitch muscle and negatively correlates with blood glucose level. miR-182 knockout mice display muscle loss, fast-to-slow fiber-type switching, and impaired glucose metabolism. Mechanistic studies reveal that miR-182 modulates glucose utilization in muscle by targeting FoxO1 and PDK4, which control fuel selection via the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDHC). Short-term high-fat diet (HFD) feeding reduces muscle miR-182 levels by tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), which contributes to the upregulation of FoxO1/PDK4. Restoration of miR-182 expression in HFD-fed mice induces a faster muscle phenotype, decreases muscle FoxO1/PDK4 levels, and improves glucose metabolism. Together, our work establishes miR-182 as a critical regulator that confers robust and precise controls on fuel usage and glucose homeostasis. Our study suggests that a metabolic shift toward a faster and more glycolytic phenotype is beneficial for glucose control

Efficient and bright warm-white electroluminescence from lead-free metal halides.

Solution-processed metal-halide perovskites are emerging as one of the most promising materials for displays, lighting and energy generation. Currently, the best-performing perovskite optoelectronic devices are based on lead halides and the lead toxicity severely restricts their practical applications. Moreover, efficient white electroluminescence from broadband-emission metal halides remains a challenge. Here we demonstrate efficient and bright lead-free LEDs based on cesium copper halides enabled by introducing an organic additive (Tween, polyethylene glycol sorbitan monooleate) into the precursor solutions. We find the additive can reduce the trap states, enhancing the photoluminescence quantum efficiency of the metal halide films, and increase the surface potential, facilitating the hole injection and transport in the LEDs. Consequently, we achieve warm-white LEDs reaching an external quantum efficiency of 3.1% and a luminance of 1570 cd m-2 at a low voltage of 5.4 V, showing great promise of lead-free metal halides for solution-processed white LED applications

The impact of rate and rhythm control strategies on quality of life for patients with atrial fibrillation: a protocol for a systematic review

Abstract Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common heart arrhythmia globally and it adversely affects the quality of life (QoL). Available rate and rhythm control strategies equally reduce mortality but may impact QoL differently. A number of systematic reviews have focused on the impact of specific strategies on QoL, though a 2006 review synthesized the evidence on the effect of all strategies on QoL, allowing for a clinically important comparison between the types of strategies. Many trials have been published since the review undertook the search in 2005; therefore, an update is needed. This systematic review aims to provide an update to the 2006 review on the impact of all rate and rhythm control strategies on QoL in people with AF. Methods The following four databases and three clinical trial registries will be searched for primary studies: CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, ClinicalTrials.gov, and ClinicalTrialsRegister.eu. No language restriction will be applied. The search will be limited to 2004 or later publication year to allow overlap with the search conducted by the 2006 review authors. Any randomized control trial that reports the QoL of adult (≥ 18 years) AF patients following an eligible rate or rhythm control intervention will be eligible for inclusion. Eligible interventions (and comparators) include pacing, atrioventricular node junction and bundle of HIS ablation, pharmacological therapy, radio frequency catheter ablation, cryoablation, pulmonary vein isolation, maze operation, pace maker implantation, and defibrillator implantation. Two reviewers will independently screen for eligible studies, extract the data using a piloted tool, and assess bias by QoL outcome using the RoB 2 tool. The suitability of conducting a meta-analysis will be assessed by the clinical and methodology similarities of included studies. If it is feasible, standardized mean differences will be pooled using a random-effects model and assessed appropriately. Discussion The findings from this review will allow for meaningful comparisons between various rate and rhythm control strategies regarding their impact on QoL. This review will be useful for a wide range of stakeholders and will be crucial for optimizing the overall wellbeing of AF patients. Systematic review registration PROSPERO CRD42021290542 </jats:sec

Cardiovascular Health and Atrial Fibrillation or Flutter: A Cross-Sectional Study from ELSA-Brasil.

BackgroundThe association between ideal cardiovascular health (ICVH) status and atrial fibrillation or flutter (AFF) diagnosis has been less studied compared to other cardiovascular diseases.ObjectiveTo analyze the association between AFF diagnosis and ICVH metrics and scores in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil).MethodsThis study analyzed data from 13,141 participants with complete data. Electrocardiographic tracings were coded according to the Minnesota Coding System, in a centralized reading center. ICVH metrics (diet, physical activity, body mass index, smoking, blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, and total cholesterol) and scores were calculated as proposed by the American Heart Association. Crude and adjusted binary logistic regression models were built to analyze the association of ICVH metrics and scores with AFF diagnosis. Significance level was set at 0.05.ResultsThe sample had a median age of 55 years and 54.4% were women. In adjusted models, ICVH scores were not significantly associated with prevalent AFF diagnosis (odds ratio [OR]:0.96; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]:0.80-1.16; p=0.70). Ideal blood pressure (OR:0.33; 95% CI:0.15-0.74; p=0.007) and total cholesterol (OR:1.88; 95% CI:1.19-2.98; p=0.007) profiles were significantly associated with AFF diagnosis.ConclusionsNo significant associations were identified between global ICVH scores and AFF diagnosis after multivariable adjustment in our analyses, at least partially due to the antagonistic associations of AFF with blood pressure and total cholesterol ICVH metrics. Our results suggest that estimating the prevention of AFF burden using global ICVH scores may not be adequate, and ICVH metrics should be considered in separate

Use and Misuse of WeChat among Elderly Adults in Urban China

Aquest estudi se centra en l'ús dels mitjans, les barreres i les estratègies per promoure l'alfabetització mediàtica entre les persones grans. L'autor està tractant d'omplir el buit en la investigació sobre estudis de mitjans entre els adults grans xinesos i oferir estratègies pràctiques per millorar l'alfabetització mediàtica de les persones grans, que és necessària i urgent en l'era digital. Per un gran nombre d'investigacions empíriques, els resultats d'aquest estudi no només revelen l'ús indegut de WeChat entre la gent gran, sinó que també proporcionen proves per anul·lar el biaix que les persones grans són "impotència" a la societat digital. A més, a partir d'estudis empírics, els resultats d'aquest estudi han proporcionat proves i coneixements sobre com els adults grans tracten la desinformació i han proporcionat suggeriments pràctics per promoure l'alfabetització mediàtica de la gent gran.Este estudio se centra en el uso de los medios, las barreras y las estrategias para promover la alfabetización mediática entre los adultos mayores. El autor está tratando de llenar el vacío en la investigación sobre estudios de medios entre adultos mayores chinos y proporcionar estrategias prácticas para mejorar la alfabetización mediática de los adultos mayores, que es necesaria y urgente en la era digital. Mediante una gran cantidad de investigaciones empíricas, los hallazgos de este estudio no solo revelan el uso indebido de WeChat entre las personas mayores, sino que también brindan evidencia para revertir el sesgo de que las personas mayores son "impotentes" en la sociedad digital. Además, con base en estudios empíricos, los hallazgos de este estudio han proporcionado evidencia y conocimientos sobre cómo los adultos mayores lidian con la información errónea y han brindado sugerencias prácticas para promover la alfabetización mediática de las personas mayores.This study focuses on media use, barriers, and strategies for promoting media literacy among elderly adults. The author is trying to fill the gap in research on media studies among Chinese elderly adults and to provide practical strategies for improving elderly adults' media literacy, which is necessary and urgent in the digital age. By a large number of empirical research, findings in this study not only reveal the misuse of WeChat among the elderly but also provide evidence for overturning the bias that the elderly are "powerlessness" in the digital society. In addition, based on empirical studies, findings in this study have provided evidence and insights that how elderly adults deal with misinformation and have provided practical suggestions for promoting media literacy of the elderly

Use and Misuse of WeChat among Elderly Adults in Urban China

Aquest estudi se centra en l’ús dels mitjans, les barreres i les estratègies per promoure l’alfabetització mediàtica entre les persones grans. L’autor està tractant d’omplir el buit en la investigació sobre estudis de mitjans entre els adults grans xinesos i oferir estratègies pràctiques per millorar l’alfabetització mediàtica de les persones grans, que és necessària i urgent en l’era digital. Per un gran nombre d’investigacions empíriques, els resultats d’aquest estudi no només revelen l’ús indegut de WeChat entre la gent gran, sinó que també proporcionen proves per anul·lar el biaix que les persones grans són “impotència” a la societat digital. A més, a partir d’estudis empírics, els resultats d’aquest estudi han proporcionat proves i coneixements sobre com els adults grans tracten la desinformació i han proporcionat suggeriments pràctics per promoure l’alfabetització mediàtica de la gent gran.Este estudio se centra en el uso de los medios, las barreras y las estrategias para promover la alfabetización mediática entre los adultos mayores. El autor está tratando de llenar el vacío en la investigación sobre estudios de medios entre adultos mayores chinos y proporcionar estrategias prácticas para mejorar la alfabetización mediática de los adultos mayores, que es necesaria y urgente en la era digital. Mediante una gran cantidad de investigaciones empíricas, los hallazgos de este estudio no solo revelan el uso indebido de WeChat entre las personas mayores, sino que también brindan evidencia para revertir el sesgo de que las personas mayores son “impotentes” en la sociedad digital. Además, con base en estudios empíricos, los hallazgos de este estudio han proporcionado evidencia y conocimientos sobre cómo los adultos mayores lidian con la información errónea y han brindado sugerencias prácticas para promover la alfabetización mediática de las personas mayores.This study focuses on media use, barriers, and strategies for promoting media literacy among elderly adults. The author is trying to fill the gap in research on media studies among Chinese elderly adults and to provide practical strategies for improving elderly adults’ media literacy, which is necessary and urgent in the digital age. By a large number of empirical research, findings in this study not only reveal the misuse of WeChat among the elderly but also provide evidence for overturning the bias that the elderly are “powerlessness” in the digital society. In addition, based on empirical studies, findings in this study have provided evidence and insights that how elderly adults deal with misinformation and have provided practical suggestions for promoting media literacy of the elderly.Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Programa de Doctorat en Comunicació i Periodism

Assessment of atomic mobility for BCC Ti-Mn and Ti-Al-Mn alloys

The atomic mobility in BCC Ti-Mn and Ti-Al-Mn alloys was assessed by using the DICTRA software after critically evaluating all available experimental diffusion data. Good agreements were obtained from the comprehensive comparisons between the calculated and experimental diffusion coefficients. The interdiffusion behaviour was further well predicted, confirming the reliability of the present mobility parameters.This work was supported by the Natural Science Funds of China [Grant No. 51571113], and the Joint Project of Industry-University-Research of Jiangsu Province [Grant No: BY2016005]. Ms. Jingya Wang acknowledges the financial support from the China Scholarship Council (Grant no. 201506890002).Peer reviewe

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Neopallasia pectinata (Asteraceae)

The complete chloroplast (cp) genome of Neopallasia pectinata was sequenced and analyzed in this study. It was 150,766 bp in length and has a typical circular structure, including a large single copy (LSC) with 82,605 bp, two inverted repeats (IRs) with 24,944 bp, and a small single copy (SSC) with 18,273 bp. The phylogenetic analysis of N. pectinata and its related taxa was conducted depended on the complete cp-genome sequences. The maximum likelihood tree indicates a close relationship between Chrysanthemum and Neopallasia. The cp-genome of N. pectinata is useful for future phylogenetic studies of Asteraceae