COVID-19 exacerbates psoriasis progression through inducing IFN-αexpression

As a global public health issue that can cause systemic diseases,COVID-19 inflicts various harms on patients and impacts those with comorbidities.Psoriasis is primarily driven by a subset of T helper cells and the cytokines[1],and microbial infection is a predisposing factor in up to 45%of patients[2].Infection with SARS-CoV-2 may trigger the aggravation of psoriasis.Thus,we conducted a survey to explore the proportion of psoriasis patients who experienced exacerbation and relapse after SARS-CoV-2 infection and also performed a preliminary investigation into the mechanisms involved.One hundred and twenty-four psoriasis patients(79 males and 45 females)who contracted COVID-19 were followed up and provided detailed information.

Melatonin Alleviates Abscisic Acid Deficiency Inhibition on Photosynthesis and Antioxidant Systems in Rice under Salt Stress

Melatonin and abscisic acid,as major plant hormones,play important roles in the physiological and biochemical activities of crops,but the interaction between the two under salt stress is not yet clear.This study investigated the endogenous levels of melatonin and abscisic acid in rice by using exogenous melatonin,abscisic acid,and their synthetic inhibitors,and examined their interactions under salt stress.The research results indicate that melatonin and abscisic acid can improve rice salt tolerance.Melatonin alleviated the salt sensitivity caused by abscisic acid deficiency,increased antioxidant enzyme activity and antioxidant content in rice treated with abscisic acid synth-esis inhibitors,and reduced total reactive oxygen species content and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance accu-mulation.Melatonin also increased the activity of key photosynthetic enzymes and the content of photosynthetic pigments,maintaining the parameters of photosynthetic gas exchange and chlorophyllfluorescence.In summary,melatonin alleviated the effects of abscisic acid deficiency on photosynthesis and antioxidant systems in rice and improved salt tolerance.This study is beneficial for expanding the understanding of melatonin regulation of crop salt tolerance.

Experimental study on mercury content in flue gas of coal-fired units based on laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

Accurate measurement of trace heavy metal mercury(Hg) in flue gas of coal-fired units is great significance for ecological and environmental protection.Mixed gas was used to simulate the actual flue gas of a power plant in this study.A laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy(LIBS)system for Hg measurement in mixed gas was built to study the effect of mixed gas pressure,Hg concentration in mixed gas and delay time on Hg measurement.The experimental results show that the appropriate low mixed gas pressure can obtain high Hg signal intensity and signal to noise ratio.The Hg signal intensity and signal to noise ratio increased with the increase of Hg concentration in mixed gas.The Hg signal intensity and signal to noise ratio decreased with the increase in delay time.According to the above results,the optimized measurement conditions can be determined.Different Hg concentrations in mixed gas were quantitatively analyzed by the internal standard method and traditional calibration method respectively.The relative error of prediction of the test sample obtained by the internal standard method was within 11.11%.The relative error of prediction of the traditional calibration method was less than 14.54%.This proved that the internal standard method can improve the accuracy of quantitative analysis of Hg concentration in flue gas using LIBS.

Ni(OH)_(2)quantum dots as a stable cocatalyst modifiedα-Fe_(2)O_(3) for enhanced photoelectrochemical water-splitting

Depositing a cocatalyst has proven to be an important strategy for improving the photoelectrochemical(PEC)water-splitting efficiency of photoanodes.In this study,Ni(OH)2 quantum dots(Ni(OH)2 QDs)were deposited in situ onto anα-Fe_(2)O_(3)photoanode via a chelation-mediated hydrolysis method.The photocurrent density of the Ni(OH)2 QDs/α-Fe_(2)O_(3)photoanode reached 1.93 mA·cm^(−2)at 1.23 V vs.RHE,which is 3.5 times that ofα-Fe_(2)O_(3),and an onset potential with a negative shift of ca.100 mV was achieved.More importantly,the Ni(OH)2 QDs exhibited excellent stability in maintaining PEC water oxidation at a high current density,which is attributed to the ultra-small crystalline size,allowing for the rapid acceptance of holes fromα-Fe_(2)O_(3)to Ni(OH)_(2)QDs,formation of active sites for water oxidation,and hole transfer from the active sites to water molecules.Further(photo)electrochemical analysis suggests that Ni(OH)_(2)QDs not only provide maximal active sites for water oxidation but also suppress charge recombination by passivating the surface states ofα-Fe_(2)O_(3),thereby significantly enhancing the water oxidation kinetics over theα-Fe_(2)O_(3)surface.

Remote open-path laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy for the analysis of manganese in steel samples at high temperature

A remote open-path laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy(LIBS) system was designed and studied in the present work for the purpose of combining the LIBS technique with the steel production line. In this system, the relatively simple configuration and optics were employed to measure the steel samples at a remote distance and a hot sample temperature. The system has obtained a robustness for the deviation of the sample position because of the open-path and alloptical structure. The measurement was carried out at different sample temperatures by placing the samples in a muffle furnace with a window in the front door. The results show that the intensity of the spectral lines increased as the sample temperature increased. The influence of the sample temperature on the quantitative analysis of manganese in the steel samples was investigated by measuring ten standard steel samples at different temperatures. Three samples were selected as the test sample for the simulation measurement. The results show that, at the sample temperature of 500 ℃, the average relative error of prediction is 3.1% and the average relative standard deviation is 7.7%, respectively.

Chelation-mediated in-situ formation of ultrathin cobalt(oxy)hydroxides on hematite photoanode towards enhanced photoelectrochemical water oxidation

In this work,a facile chelation-mediated route was developed to fabricate ultrathin cobalt(oxy)hydroxides(CoOOH)nanosheets on hematite photoanode(Fe_(2)O_(3)).The route contains two steps of the adsorption of[Co-EDTA]^(2-)species on Fe_(2)O_(3) nanorod array followed by the hydrolysis in alkaline solution.The resulting CoOOH/Fe_(2)O_(3) exhibits a remarkably improved photocurrent density of 2.10 mA cm^(-2) at 1.23 V vs.RHE,which is ca.2.8 times that of bare Fe_(2)O_(3).In addition,a negative shift of onset potential ca.200 mV is achieved.The structural characterizations reveal the chelate EDTA plays important roles that enhance the adsorption of Co species and the formation of contact between CoOOH and Fe_(2)O_(3).(Photo)electrochemical analysis suggests,besides providing active sites for water oxidation,CoOOH at large extent promotes the charge separation and the charge transfer via passivating surface states and suppressing charge recombination.It also found CoOOH possesses some oxygen vacancies,which could act as trapping centers for photogenerated holes and facilitate the charge separation.Intensity modulated photocurrent spectroscopy(IMPS)shows that,under low applied potential the water oxidation mainly occurs on CoOOH,while under high applied potential the water oxidation could occur on both CoOOH and Fe_(2)O_(3).The findings not only provide an efficient strategy for designing ultrathin(oxy)hydroxides on semiconductors for PEC applications but also put forward a new insight on the role of CoOOH during water oxidation.

Improvement on Quantitative Measurement of Fly Ash Contents Using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

Contents of fly ash are important factors for the operation of coal-fired plants. Real-time monitoring of coal and fly ash such as unburned carbon in fly ash can be an indicator of the combustion conditions. Because of the strong signal intensity and the relative simplicity of the LIBS (Laser- Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy) technique, LIBS can be applicable for real-time composition measurement of coal and fly ash. This research presented here focused on the clarification of the effects of plasma temperature and coexisting materials on quantitative measurement of fly ash contents. Quantitative capability of LIBS was improved using the proposed plasma temperature correction method. The CO2 effect was also discussed to accurately evaluate unburned carbon in fly ash in exhausts. Using the results shown in this study, quantitative measurement of fly ash contents has been improved for wider applications of LIBS to practical fields.

Stressors and Coping Strategies of Medical Staff in the COVID-19 Pandemic in Wuhan

Exploring whether medical staff perceive stress on the assigned medical tasks,what are the specific sources of stress,what are the tangible sources of support they expected to be helpful,and individual coping with stress to provide more accurate,personal support for psychological crisis.This study uses a cross-sectional descriptive survey adopting convenience sampling among the medical staff who worked for over seven days in the infected areas of one Grade 2A and three Grade 3A hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic.The assessment includes attitude when receiving tasks,major stressors,factors relieving stress,and personal management of stress.A total of 104(76.8%)valid questionnaires are received.A majority(94.3%)of the medical staff held a positive attitude taking duty for granted but feeling nervous and afraid(81.1%).Contacting the infected(90.6%)and compensation(92.5%)are the main concerns.The major pressure sources are regarding safety for oneself(98.1%),colleagues(92.5%),and family(94.3%),as well as lack of effective treatment(92.5%),inadequate protective equipment(94.3%)and incomplete disinfection(94.3%).The main positive pressure adjustments include strict infection controlling measures(98.4%),maintaining a positive attitude(95.2%),actively attain more information 95.2%,and engage in recreational activities(93.6%),but more than 40%takes negative adjustments to vent their emotions and relieve anxiety,suggesting the importance of early psychological intervention.During the COVID-19 pandemic,the main stressors among medical staff are safety,uncertainty and shortage of resources.Positive coping includes taking effective protective measures and achieving thorough understanding of the virus.

Thoughts and Strategies of Sponge City Construction Planning: A Case Study of Pingxiang, Jiangxi Province

At present and for a long time in the future, urbanization in China will maintain a rapid development speed. After the rainstorm, the phenomenon of “sea views” is common. The direct reason is that the urban drainage system and the ground drainage system cannot afford the large flow of water in a short period of time, but the most fundamental reason is that the artificial construction environment changes the water storage and drainage function of the ground under the natural state. “Sponge city construction” came into being. This paper mainly analyzes and studies the sponge city construction in Pingxiang City, Jiangxi Province, and uses the method of field investigation and literature data to clarify the ideas of the sponge city construction in Pingxiang City and summarize the successful experience, which can provide a reference for the subsequent “sponge city development” ideas.

Anomalous strain effect in heteroepitaxial SrRuO_(3) films on(111) SrTiO_(3) substrates

We report comprehensive investigations into the structure of high-quality(111)-oriented SrRuO_(3)films on SrTiO_(3)substrates to elucidate the effect of(111)heteroepitaxial strain.We found that SrRuO_(3)film with a thickness of~40 nm is compressively strained in plane on the substrate with full coherency.Nevertheless,the out-of-plane spacing is almost the same as in the bulk,which is at odds with the conventional paradigm.By probing a series of half-order Bragg reflections using synchrotron-based x-ray diffraction combined with analyses of the scanning transmission electron microscopy images,we discovered that the heteroepitaxial strain is accommodated via significant suppression of the degree of c+octahedral tilting and the formation of three equivalent domain structures on the(111)SrTiO_(3)substrate.This anomalous effect sheds light on the understanding of an unconventional paradigm of film-substrate coupling for the(111)heteroepitaxial strain.

Study on the Conservation Mode and Renewal Strategy of Ancient City of Anyang

Anyang City, Henan Province, is one of the eight ancient capitals in China. After the change of history and the alternation of times, there are many kinds of ancient buildings and traditional houses in the ancient city. Combined with the current development of the ancient city, through the combination of actual research and questionnaire survey, clarify the current development problems, according to the principle of combining protection and renewal, put forward the feasibility of solving problems from the management concept and technology, and clarify the development direction of the ancient city.

Latent Categories of Mental Health Literacy in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease and Their Relationship with Quality of Life

Objectives: This study aims to explore the latent categories of mental health literacy among patients with coronary artery disease and examine their associations with quality of life. Design: A cross-sectional quantitative design was used. Methods: The study sample consisted of 208 patients with coronary artery disease from five wards in the Department of Cardiology at a tertiary hospital. Data were collected using a general information questionnaire, the Chinese version of the Multiple Mental Health Literacy Scale and the Chinese Cardiovascular Patient Quality of Life Assessment Questionnaire. The data were analysed with Mplus (v.8.3) and SPSS (v.25.0). Results: The mental health literacy of the 208 patients was categorised into four latent categories: low literacy (n = 28, 13.5%), high knowledge-low resources (n = 53, 25.5%), low knowledge-high resources (n = 63, 30.2%) and high literacy (n = 64, 30.8%). A significant difference in quality of life was observed according to mental health literacy category (P Conclusion: The quality of life of patients with coronary artery disease is significantly influenced by their levels of mental health literacy. Targeted interventions addressing the various profiles of mental health literacy should be implemented to improve the quality of life for patients with coronary artery disease.

Remote substituent effects on catalytic activity of metal-organic frameworks: a linker orbital energy model

The Hammett equation is commonly used to theoretically depict the remote electronic effects of substituents on catalytic activitiesof metal nodes of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). However, the application of the theory to MOF catalysts usually encountersproblems because it relies heavily on empirical parameters with unknown transferability. To develop an alternative predictiontheory, the linker orbital energy model has been proposed by density functional theory calculations. The model provides a simplemethod to approximately depict the remote electronic substituent effects on catalytic activities of metal nodes of MOFs, and itsgeneral applicability to MOFs is supported by extensively revisiting the structure-activity relationships reported in the literatures.The model can be used to design catalytic activity of metal nodes of MOFs by engineering the electronic properties of linkers andsubstituents.

Advances in reactive co-precipitation technology for preparing high-performance cathodes

Reactive crystallization plays an essential role in the synthesis of high-quality precursors with a narrow particle size distribution,dense packing,and high sphericity.These features are beneficial in the fabrication of high-specific-capacity and long-cycle-life cathodes for lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries.However,in industrial production,designing and scaling-up crystallizers involves the use of semi-empirical approaches,making it challenging to satisfactorily meet techno-economic requirements.Furthermore,there is still a lack of in-depth knowledge on the theoretical models and technical calculations of the current co-precipitation process.This review elaborates on critical advances in the theoretical guidelines and process regulation strategies using a reactive crystallizer for the preparation of precursors by co-precipitation.The research progress on the kinetic models of co-precipitation reactive crystallization is presented.In addition,the regulation strategies for the reactive crystallization process of lithium-ion ternary cathodes are described in detail.These include the influence of different reactive crystallizer structures on the precursor's morphology and performance,the intelligent online measurement of efficient reactive crystallizers to ensure favorable conditions of co-precipitation,and preparing the precursor with a high tap density by increasing its solid holdup.A controllable reactive crystallization process is described in terms of the structural design with concentration gradient materials and bulk gradient doping of advantageous elements(such as magnesium ion)in lithium-ion cathodes and the fabrication of sodium-ion cathodes with three typical materials-Prussian blue analogues,transition metal oxides,and polyanionic phosphate compounds being involved.

Novel CD123×CD33 bicistronic chimeric antigen receptor(CAR)-T therapy has potential to reduce escape from single-target CAR-T with no more hematotoxicity

Dear Editor,Antigen escape is responsible for resistance[1]or disease relapse[2]from single-target chimeric antigen receptor(CAR)-T therapy.Dual-target CAR-T therapy has the potential to overcome the escape problem.However,the efficacy and safety assessment of dual-target CAR-T therapy in treating acute myeloid leukemia(AML)need further investigation.Tandem CAR-T therapy has been widely used in research and clinic.However,clustering of two connected single-chain variable fragments(scFvs)[3]and the inappropriate conjugation distance[4]pose a risk of damaging tandem CAR-T cells’function.

Ultrafine RuO_(2) nanoparticles/MWCNTs cathodes for rechargeable Na-CO_(2) batteries with accelerated kinetics of Na_(2)CO_(3) decomposition

Na-CO_(2) batteries have attracted extensive attention due to their high theoretical energy density(1125 Wh/kg),efficient utilization of CO_(2),and abundant sodium resources.However,they are trapped by the sluggish decomposition kinetic of discharge products (mainly Na_(2)CO_(3)) on cathode side during the charging process.Here we prepared a series of nano-composites composed of RuO_(2) nanoparticles in situ loaded on activated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (RuO_(2)@a-MWCNTs) through hydrolyzing reaction followed by calcination method and used them as cathode catalysts to accelerate the decomposition of Na_(2)CO_(3).Among all catalysts,the RuO_(2)@a-MWCNTs with appropriate ratio of RuO_(2)(49.7 wt%) demonstrated best stability and rate performance in Na-CO_(2) batteries,benefiting from both high specific surface area (160.3 m^(2)/g) and highly dispersed RuO_(2) with ultrafine nanostructures (~2 nm).At a limited capacity of 500 mAh/g,Na-CO_(2) batteries could afford the operation of over 120 cycles at 100 mA/g,and even at the current density to 500 mA/g,the charge voltage was still lower than 4.0 V after 40 cycles.Further theoretical calculations proved that RuO_(2) was the catalytically active center and contributed to the decomposition of Na_(2)CO_(3) by weakening the C=O bond.The synergetic functions of high specific surface(CNTs) and high catalytic activity (RuO_(2)) will inspire more progress on metal-CO_(2) batteries.

基于PARMS技术的结核分枝杆菌利福平耐药基因rpoB分子标记的开发

文中旨在建立结核分枝杆菌利福平耐药基因rpoB的荧光分子标记,为分子药物敏感性试验提供简便、可靠的基因分型检测方法。对比分析利福平耐药菌株rpoB基因531、526、516、511、513等氨基酸位点的基因突变与敏感菌株中等位基因的序列差异,结合PARMS技术(Penta-primer amplification refractory mutation system),建立rpoB基因的荧光分子标记。利用其对104例结核分枝杆菌临床分离株进行检测,经Sanger测序验证,正确率100%。并采用比例法药敏试验对这104份样本进行了利福平耐药性鉴定,与分子标记结果相符率为94.23%。结果表明,分子标记有较强可靠性,能检出表型药敏无法测出的低浓度耐药样本(511/533单位点突变)。建立的11组荧光分子标记能覆盖92%–96%的利福平耐药菌株rpoB基因突变类型,为快速检测结核分枝杆菌利福平耐药提供新思路。

Modulating macrophage activities to promote endogenous bone regeneration: Biological mechanisms and engineering approaches

A coordinated interaction between osteogenesis and osteoimmune microenvironment is essential for successful bone healing.In particular,macrophages play a central regulatory role in all stages of bone repair.Depending on the signals they sense,these highly plastic cells can mediate the host immune response against the exterior signals of molecular stimuli and implanted scaffolds,to exert regenerative potency to a varying extent.In this article,we first encapsulate the immunomodulatory functions of macrophages during bone regeneration into three aspects,as sweeper,mediator and instructor.We introduce the phagocytic role of macrophages in different bone healing periods(‘sweeper’)and overview a variety of paracrine cytokines released by macrophages either mediating cell mobilisation,vascularisation and matrix remodelling(‘mediator’),or directly driving the osteogenic differentiation of bone progenitors and bone repair(‘instructor’).Then,we systematically classify and discuss the emerging engineering strategies to recruit,activate and modulate the phenotype transition of macrophages,to exploit the power of endogenous macrophages to enhance the performance of engineered bone tissue.

Characterization and acid-mobilization study for typical iron- bearing clay mineral

In this study, iron speciation in five standard clay samples was characterized. Iron mobilization from these clays was then measured in acidic media. For comparison, a commercially available Arizona test dust （ATD） was also observed. The results showed that the free-Fe contents of clays were commonly lower than that of dust aerosols. The components of clays were dominant by the structural Fe held in the aluminosilicate lattice. The iron solubility of the clays were in the order of KGa-2 〉 SWy-2 〉 CCa-2 〉 IMt-2 〉 NAu- 2. Based upon the M6ssbauer spectrum and transmission electron microscopy （TEM） analysis, the Fe（Ⅱ） fraction and the Fe/Si ratio of clay particles changed after dissolution, suggesting the total Fe solubility depended on the Fe atom states existing within the aluminosilicate lattice. The Fe in KGa-2 and SWy-2 was most likely substituted for alkaline elements as the interlayer ions held by ionic bonds in the aluminosilicate, which are more liable to dissolution. However, the Fe in NAu-2 was more likely to be bound by strong covalent bonds in aluminosilicate mineral, which is less soluble. The much highly soluble Fe in ATD was not only linked to the dissolution of an appreciable fraction of Fe（Ⅱ）, but also could be attributed to the fact that the Fe bonds in the clay fraction of ATD were mainly present as ionic bonds. The TEM images showed that reacted clay particles displayed less aggregate particles, with nanoparticle aggregates and the Fe/S-rich tiny particles attached to the remains.