Estimated plasma volume status as a simple and accessible predictor of 28-day mortality in septic shock: insights from a retrospective study of the MIMIC-IV database

BackgroundAssessing volume status in septic shock patients is crucial for tailored fluid resuscitation. Estimated plasma volume status (ePVS) has emerged as a simple and effective tool for evaluating patient volume status. However, the prognostic value of ePVS in septic shock patients remains underexplored.MethodsThe study cohort consisted of septic shock patients admitted to the ICU, sourced from the MIMIC-IV database. Patients were categorized into two groups based on 28-day survival outcomes, and their baseline characteristics were compared. According to the ePVS (6.52 dL/g) with a hazard ratio of 1 in the restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis, patients were further divided into high and low ePVS groups. A multivariable Cox regression model was utilized to evaluate the association between ePVS and 28-day mortality rate. The Kaplan–Meier survival curve was plotted, and all-cause mortality was compared between the high and low groups using the log-rank test.ResultsA total of 7,607 septic shock patients were included in the study, among whom 2,144 (28.2%) died within 28 days. A J-shaped relationship was observed between ePVS at ICU admission and 28-day mortality, with an increase in mortality risk noted when ePVS exceeded 6.52 dL/g. The high ePVS group exhibited notably higher mortality rates compared to the low ePVS group (28-day mortality: 26.2% vs. 30.2%; 90-day mortality: 35% vs. 42.3%). After adjustment for confounding factors, ePVS greater than 6.52 dL/g independently correlated with an increased risk of 28-day mortality (HR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.10–1.31, p < 0.001) and 90-day mortality (HR: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.15–1.35, p < 0.001). Kaplan–Meier curves demonstrated a heightened risk of mortality associated with ePVS values exceeding 6.52 dL/g.ConclusionA J-shaped association was observed between ePVS and 28-day mortality in septic shock patients, with higher ePVS levels associated with increased risk of mortality

Biocompatibility of subretinal parylene-based Ti/Pt microelectrode array in rabbit for further artificial vision studies

To evaluate the biocompatibility of subretinal implanted parylene-based Ti/Pt microelectrode arrays (MEA). Eyes were enucleated 3 months after MEAs were implanted into the subretinal space of rabbits. Morphological changes of the retinas were investigated by H&E staining. Immunohistochemical staining for glial fibrillary acidic protein and opsin were performed to evaluate changes in Muller cells and photoreceptors in the retinas. Retina tissue around the array remained intact. Photoreceptor degeneration and glial cell activation were observed in the retina overlaying the MEA implant. However, the cells in the inner retinal layers were preserved. Photoreceptor degeneration and glial cell activation at the MEA–retina interface are expected to be a normal reaction to implantation. Material used in this experiment has good biocompatibility within the subretinal environment and is expected to be promising in the further retinal prosthesis studies

Biological implications of organic carbon and nitrogen in the Xiamen enclosures

In IDL-1113

Foreign Direct Investment and Air Pollution: Re-Estimating the “Pollution Haven Hypothesis” in China

This paper focuses on the relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI) and air pollution. Based on the relaxation of China’s FDI regulation policy as well as the “China Environmentally Extended Input-Output” database, we utilize a difference-in-differences methodology and investigate the casual effects of FDI liberalization on air pollution intensity. The empirical results demonstrate that FDI reduces the air pollution intensity. However, it is more pronounced in sectors with higher levels of absorption ability and human capital. The reduction in air pollution is mainly driven by technical effects through the enhancement of total factor productivity and technological efficiency. FDI can help achieve the green development goals in developing countries with a more liberalized policy

Foreign Direct Investment and Air Pollution: Re-Estimating the “Pollution Haven Hypothesis” in China

This paper focuses on the relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI) and air pollution. Based on the relaxation of China’s FDI regulation policy as well as the “China Environmentally Extended Input-Output” database, we utilize a difference-in-differences methodology and investigate the casual effects of FDI liberalization on air pollution intensity. The empirical results demonstrate that FDI reduces the air pollution intensity. However, it is more pronounced in sectors with higher levels of absorption ability and human capital. The reduction in air pollution is mainly driven by technical effects through the enhancement of total factor productivity and technological efficiency. FDI can help achieve the green development goals in developing countries with a more liberalized policy

Effects of Trace Alloying Elements Fe and Cr on the Microstructure and Aging Properties of Cu-3Ti Alloy Foils

In this work, the effects of an addition of trace alloying elements, Fe and Cr, on the mechanical and electrical properties and corrosion resistance of Cu-3Ti alloy foils, have been investigated. The results showed that the individual addition of Fe leads to the formation of Fe2Ti intermetallic phase, which refines the grain size, in the solution-treated condition. With a combined addition of Fe and Cr, the formation of the (FeCr)2Ti phase and the precipitation of the β′-Cu4Ti phase resulted in increased hardness in the peak-aged condition. The ultimate tensile strength and yield strength of the peak-aged Cu-Ti-Fe-Cr alloy were 13% and 5.7% higher, than those of the Cu-3Ti alloy, respectively. The electrical conductivity of the peak-aged Cu-Ti-Fe-Cr alloy was 3.3% higher than that of the Cu-Ti-Fe alloy, due to the finer (FeCr)2Ti phase and the less residual Ti atoms, in the Cu matrix. The combined addition of Fe and Cr elements could improve the corrosion resistance of the Cu-Ti alloy. The Cu-Ti-Fe-Cr alloy foil could obtain the best integrated properties, and the hardness, ultimate tensile strength, and electrical conductivity were 357.1 HV, 1068 MPa and 12.5% IACS, respectively