Examining the U-shaped relationship of sleep duration and systolic blood pressure with risk of cardiovascular events using a novel recursive gradient scanning model

BackgroundObservational studies have suggested U-shaped relationships between sleep duration and systolic blood pressure (SBP) with risks of many cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), but the cut-points that separate high-risk and low-risk groups have not been confirmed. We aimed to examine the U-shaped relationships between sleep duration, SBP, and risks of CVDs and confirm the optimal cut-points for sleep duration and SBP.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on NHANES 2007–2016 data, which included a nationally representative sample of participants. The maximum equal-odds ratio (OR) method was implemented to obtain optimal cut-points for each continuous independent variable. Then, a novel “recursive gradient scanning method” was introduced for discretizing multiple non-monotonic U-shaped independent variables. Finally, a multivariable logistic regression model was constructed to predict critical risk factors associated with CVDs after adjusting for potential confounders.ResultsA total of 26,691 participants (48.66% were male) were eligible for the current study with an average age of 49.43 ± 17.69 years. After adjusting for covariates, compared with an intermediate range of sleep duration (6.5–8.0 h per day) and SBP (95–120 mmHg), upper or lower values were associated with a higher risk of CVDs [adjusted OR (95% confidence interval) was 1.20 (1.04–1.40) for sleep duration and 1.17 (1.01–1.36) for SBP].ConclusionsThis study indicates U-shaped relationships between SBP, sleep duration, and risks of CVDs. Both short and long duration of sleep/higher and lower BP are predictors of cardiovascular outcomes. Estimated total sleep duration of 6.5–8.0 h per day/SBP of 95–120 mmHg is associated with lower risk of CVDs

Application Status and Prospects of 5G Technology in Distribution Automation Systems

With the continuous development of 5G (5th generation mobile networks) communication technology, increasing attention has been paid to the integration of 5G technology and vertical industry. Based on the consideration of power security, the large-scale application of 5G in the power industry will start from the distribution grid and gradually extend to the high-voltage power grid. There have been some powerful attempts to apply 5G technology in distribution grid automation, distribution grid relay protection, and distribution grid monitoring. This article will summarize the application of 5G technology in these fields, focuses on the analysis of possible problems in technical standards, network security, application costs, and signal coverage, and will propose reasonable prospects and thoughts on the integration of 5G technology and distribution grids

Compound K Induces Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Apoptosis in Human Liver Cancer Cells by Regulating STAT3

The ginsenoside compound K (20-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-20(S)-protopanaxadiol; CK) is an intestinal bacterial metabolite of ginseng protopanaxadiol saponin that has been reported to induce apoptosis in many cancer cells; however, the precise mechanisms of its activity in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells remain unclear. Herein, we demonstrated that CK inhibited the growth and colony formation of HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells, phenotypes that were mediated by inducing apoptosis. Meanwhile, CK showed lower toxicity in normal hepatoma cells. After treating HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells with CK, p-STAT3 levels decreased, the three branches of the unfolded protein response were activated, and levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-related proteins were increased. We also revealed that CK decreased the DNA-binding capacity of STAT3. Moreover, silencing STAT3 with CRISPR/Cas9 technology enhanced CK-induced ERS and apoptosis. Finally, we showed that CK inhibited the growth of liver cancer xenografts with little toxicity. Mice bearing human HCC xenografts that were treated with CK showed increased GRP78 expression and decreased p-STAT3 levels. Taken together, these data showed that CK induced ERS and apoptosis by inhibiting p-STAT3 in human liver cancer cells; thus, CK might be a potential therapeutic candidate for human HCC

Alkaline seawater electrolysis at industrial level: recent progress and perspective

Industrial hydrogen generation through water splitting, powered by renewable energy such as solar, wind and marine, paves a potential way for energy and environment sustainability. However, state-of-the-art electrolysis using high purity water as hydrogen source at an industrial level would bring about crisis of freshwater resource. Seawater splitting provides a practical path to solve potable water shortage, but still faces great challenges for large-scale industrial operation. Here we summarize recent developments in seawater splitting, covering general mechanisms, design criteria for electrodes, and industrial electrolyzer for direct seawater splitting. Multi-objective optimization methods to address the key challenges of active sites, reaction selectivity, corrosion resistance, and mass transfer ability will be discussed. The recent development in seawater electrolyzer and acquaint efficient strategies to design direct devices for long-time operation are also highlighted. Finally, we provide our own perspective to future opportunities and challenges towards direct seawater electrolysis. 由太阳能、 风能和海洋等可再生能源驱动的工业级水分解产氢为能源和环境的可持续性发展开辟了一条极具潜力的道路。然而， 在工业上最先进电解技术使用高纯水作为氢源， 这将带来严重的淡水资源危机。海水分解为饮用水短缺提供了一条切实可行的解决途径， 但仍面临规模工业化生产的巨大挑战。在这里，我们总结了海水分解的最新进展，包括反应机制、 电极设计标准和直接海水分解的工业电解槽。 深入讨论了应对海水电解中的关键挑战， 如活性位点、 反应选择性、 耐腐蚀性和传质能力等的解决方案。 此外， 该文章重点总结了海水电解设备的最新发展， 并提出了设计长寿命直接海水电解装置的有效策略。 最后， 我们对直接海水电解的未来机遇和挑战提出了自己的观点。Ministry of Education (MOE)Submitted/Accepted versionThis work is financially supported from the Singapore Ministry of Education by Academic ResearchFund Tier 1 (RG125/21 ) and the National NaturalScience Foundation of China (No.: 22005116)

Mini-review : Gene regulatory network benefits from three-dimensional chromatin conformation and structural biology

Gene regulatory networks are now at the forefront of precision biology, which can help researchers better understand how genes and regulatory elements interact to control cellular gene expression, offering a more promising molecular mechanism in biological research. Interactions between the genes and regulatory elements involve different promoters, enhancers, transcription factors, silencers, insulators, and long-range regulatory elements, which occur at a ∼10 µm nucleus in a spatiotemporal manner. In this way, three-dimensional chromatin conformation and structural biology are critical for interpreting the biological effects and the gene regulatory networks. In the review, we have briefly summarized the latest processes in three-dimensional chromatin conformation, microscopic imaging, and bioinformatics, and we have presented the outlook and future directions for these three aspects