Foodborne toxin Aflatoxin B_(1)induced glomerular podocyte inflammation through proteolysis of RelA,downregulation of miR-9 and CXCR4/TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway

Aflatoxin B_(1)(AFB_(1))is a naturally-occurring mycotoxin and recognized as the most toxic foodborne toxin,particularly causing damages to kidney.Glomerular podocytes are terminally differentiated epithelial cells.AFB_(1)induces podocyte inflammation,proteinuria and renal dysfunction.Studying the mechanism of AFB_(1)-induced podocyte inflammation and murine kidney dysfunction,we detected that AFB_(1)increased ubiquitindependent degradation of the transcription factor RelA through enhanced interaction of RelA with E3 ubiquitin ligase tripartite motif containing 7(TRIM7)in mouse podocyte clone-5(MPC-5)and mouse glomeruli.Reduction of RelA resulted in decreasing microRNA-9(miR-9)and activating the chemokine receptor 4(CXCR4),thioredoxin interacting protein(TXNIP),and NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing 3(NLRP3)signaling axis(CXCR4/TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway),leading to podocyte inflammation.We also determined that downregulation of miR-9 led to CXCR4 expression and the downstream TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway activation.Overexpression of miR-9 or deletion of CXCR4 suppressed AFB_(1)-induced CXCR4/TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway,resulting in alleviating podocyte inflammation and kidney dysfunction.Our findings indicated that ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis of RelA,downregulation of miR-9,and activation of CXCR4/TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway played an essential role in AFB_(1)-induced glomerular podocyte inflammation.Our study revealed a novel mechanism,via RelA,for the control of AFB_(1)’s nephrotoxicity,leading to an effective protection of food safety and public health.

Minimizing interfacial energy losses in inverted perovskite solar cells by a dipolar stereochemical 2D perovskite interface

Inverted perovskite solar cells(PSCs) have attracted broad research and industrial interest owing to their suppressed hysteresis,cost-effectiveness,and easy-fabrication.However,the issue of non-radiative recombination losses at the n-type interface between the perovskite and fullerene has impeded further improvement of photovoltaic performance.Here,we modify the n-type interface of FAPbI_(3) perovskite films by constructing a stereochemical two-dimensional(2D) perovskite interlayer,in which the organic cations comprise both pyridine and ammonium groups.The pyridine N donor can create stable bonding with the surface-uncoordinated Pb on the perovskite,thereby passivating the shallow-level defects and enhancing the air stability of the film.Furthermore,the pyridine N donor also offers a positive polar interface to decrease the surface work function of the perovskite film,enabling n-type modification.Ultimately,we employ a p-i-n photovoltaic(PV) device with the positive dipole interlayer at perovskite/fullerene contact and achieve remarkable photoelectric conversion efficiency(PCE) of 22.0%.

Combining prognostic value of serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 and tumor size reduction ratio in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC)is a common cancer with increasing morbidity and mortality due to changes of social environment.AIM To evaluate the significance of serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9(CA19-9)and tumor size changes pre-and post-neoadjuvant therapy(NAT).METHODS This retrospective study was conducted at the Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment,Chongqing University Cancer Hospital.This study specifically assessed CA19-9 levels and tumor size before and after NAT.RESULTS A total of 156 patients who completed NAT and subsequently underwent tumor resection were included in this study.The average age was 65.4±10.6 years and 72(46.2%)patients were female.Before survival analysis,we defined the post-NAT serum CA19-9 level/pre-NAT serum CA19-9 level as the CA19-9 ratio(CR).The patients were divided into three groups:CR<0.5,CR>0.5 and<1 and CR>1.With regard to tumor size measured by both computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging,we defined the post-NAT tumor size/pre-NAT tumor size as the tumor size ratio(TR).The patients were then divided into three groups:TR<0.5,TR>0.5 and<1 and TR>1.Based on these groups divided according to CR and TR,we performed both overall survival(OS)and disease-free survival(DFS)analyses.Log-rank tests showed that both OS and DFS were significantly different among the groups according to CR and TR(P<0.05).CR and TR after NAT were associated with increased odds of achieving a complete or near-complete pathologic response.Moreover,CR(hazard ratio:1.721,95%CI:1.373-3.762;P=0.006),and TR(hazard ratio:1.435,95%CI:1.275-4.363;P=0.014)were identified as independent factors associated with OS.CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that post-NAT serum CA19-9 level/pre-NAT serum CA19-9 level and post-NAT tumor size/pre-NAT tumor size were independent factors associated with OS in patients with PDAC who received NAT and subsequent surgical resection.

Nano-capillary induced assemble of quantum dots on perovskite grain boundaries for efficient and stable perovskite solar cells

In recent years, perovskite solar cells(PSCs) have propelled into the limelight owing to rapid development of efficiency;however, the abundant defects at the perovskite grain boundaries result in unwanted energy loss and structural degradation. Here, the grain boundaries of perovskite polycrystalline films have been found to act as nanocapillaries for capturing perovskite quantum dots(PQDs), which enable the conformal assemble of PQDs at the top interspace between perovskite grains. The existence of PQDs passivated the surface defects, optimized the interfacial band alignments, and ultimately improved the power conversion efficiency from 19.27% to 22.47% in inverted PSCs. Our findings open up the possibility of selective assembly and structural modulation of the perovskite nanostructures towards efficient and stable PSCs.

Gefapixant,a Novel P2X3 Antagonist,Protects against Post Myocardial Infarction Cardiac Dysfunction and Remodeling Via Suppressing NLRP3 Inflammasome

Objective The ATP responsive P2 purinergic receptors can be subdivided into metabotropic P2X family and ionotropic P2Y family.Among these,P2X3 is a type of P2X receptor which is specifically expressed on nerves,especially on pre-ganglionic sensory fibers.This study investigates whether gefapixant possesses the potential of inhibiting cardiac sympathetic hypersensitivity to protect against cardiac remodeling in the context of myocardial infarction.Methods The Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into three groups:sham group-myocardial infarction group,and myocardial infarction with gefapixant treatment group.Myocardial infarction was induced by left anterior descending branch ligation.The gefapixant solution was intraperitoneally injected each time per day for 7 days and the appropriate dosage of gefapixant was determined according to the results of hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining and myocardial injury biomarkers.Conditions of cardiac function were assessed by echocardiograph and cardiac fibrosis was evaluated by Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining of collagen I and collagen III.The sympathetic innervation was detected by norepinephrine concentration(pg/mL),in-vivo electrophysiology,and typical sympathetic biomarkers.Inflammatory cell infiltration was shown from immunofluorescence staining and pro-inflammatory signaling pathway activation was checked by immunohistology,quantitative realtime PCR(qPCR)and Western blotting.Results It was found that gefapixant injection of 10 mg/kg per day had the highest dosage-efficacy ratio.Furthermore,gefapixant treatment improved cardiac pump function as shown by increased LVEF and LVFS,and decreased LVIDd and LVIDs.The expression levels of collagen I and collagen III,and TNF-αwere all decreased by P2X3 inhibition.Mechanistically,the decreased activation of nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain-like receptors family pyrin-domain-containing 3(NLRP3)inflammasome and subsequent cleavage of caspase-1 which modulated interleukin-1β(IL-1β)and IL-18 level in heart after gefapixant treatment were associated with the suppressed cardiac inflammation.Conclusion It is suggested that P2X3 inhibition by gefapixant ameliorates post-infarct autonomic nervous imbalance,cardiac dysfunction,and remodeling possibly via inactivating NLRP3 inflammasome.

Influence of element substitutions on poisoning behavior of ZrV_(2)alloy:theoretical and experimental investigations

A ZrV_(2)alloy is typically susceptible to poisoning by impurity gases,which causes a considerable reduction in the hydrogen storage properties of the alloy.In this study,the adsorption characteristics of oxygen on ZrV_(2)surfaces doped with Hf,Ti,and Pd are investigated,and the effect of oxygen on the hydrogen storage performance of the alloy was discussed.Subsequently,the adsorption energy,bond-length change,density of states,and differential charge density of the alloy before and after doping are analyzed using the first-principles method.The theoretical results show that Ti doping has a limited effect on the adsorption of oxygen atoms on the ZrV_(2)surface,whereas Hf doping decreases the adsorption energy of oxygen on the ZrV_(2)surface.Oxygen atoms are more difficult to adsorb at most adsorption sites on Pd-substituting surfaces,which indicates that Pd has the best anti-poisoning properties,followed by Hf.The analysis of the differential charge density and partial density of states show that the electron interaction between the oxygen atom and surface atom of the alloys is weakened,and the total energy is reduced after Hf and Pd doping.Based on theoretical calculations,the hydrogen absorption kinetics of ZrV_(2),Zr_(0.9)Hf_(0.1)V_(2),and Zr(V_(0.9)Pd_(0.1))_(2) alloys are studied in a hydrogen-oxygen mixture of 0.5 vol%O_(2) at 25℃.The experimental results show that the hydrogen storage capacities of ZrV_(2),Zr_(0.9)Hf_(0.1)V_(2),and Zr(V_(0.9)Pd_(0.1))_(2) decrease to 19%,69%,and 80%of their original values,respectively.The order of alloy resistance to 0.5 vol%O_(2) poisoning is Zr(V_(0.9)Pd_(0.1))_(2)>Zr_(0.9)Hf_(0.1)V_(2)>ZrV_(2).Pd retains its original hydrogen absorption performance to a greater extent than undoped surfaces,and it has the strongest resistance to poisoning,which is consistent with previous theoretical calculations.

Development of family resilience models

Family resilience is not the sum of the individual psychological resilience of each of the family members,but the family itself as a unit of resilience research.The representative models of family stress tolerance theory mainly include Mc Cubbin's series of family stress tolerance models and Walsh's family stress tolerance framework,which are widely used in the practice of family therapy.In the future,empirical studies on family resilience should be strengthened,measurement tools with high reliability and validity should be established,and the combination of family resilience theory and community-based practice should be promoted.

高效液相色谱法测定面包、糕点及饼干中脱氢乙酸及其钠盐的含量

目的:建立快速、简便地检测面包、糕点及饼干中脱氢乙酸及其钠盐含量的高效液相色谱法。方法:参照并优化《食品安全国家标准食品中脱氢乙酸的测定》(GB 5009.121—2016)中的前处理方法,采用C18色谱柱对样品进行分离,紫外检测器进行检测。结果:脱氢乙酸在1.0~200.0μg·mL^(-1)质量浓度范围内与峰面积呈良好的线性关系,相关系数为1.000 0;方法检出限为0.001 g·kg^(-1),定量限为0.003 g·kg^(-1);在3个加标水平下,回收率为97.3%~102.1%,RSD为0.21%~1.42%,均满足标准要求。结论:该方法具有快速、简便、准确度高等特点,适用于面包、糕点及饼干中脱氢乙酸及其钠盐含量的检测。

南瓜籽的综合利用研究进展

南瓜籽为南瓜加工利用后的副产物,是一种优质的食用油原料,营养价值较高。本文主要介绍了南瓜籽各种营养成分的综合利用及研究现状,以供参考。

无定形氧化铁层在纳米多孔BiVO_4的光电化学分解水反应中的作用（英文）

通过'人工光合成'过程,将太阳能转化成氢能的形式加以存储和利用,是替代传统化石能源的清洁能源的制备有效途径.其中,光电化学分解水是氢能制备的最有潜力的路径之一.n型BiVO_4由于具有丰富的储量、较窄的带隙以及合适的能带位置,被称为光电化学领域的研究热点.然而,未修饰的BiVO_4光阳极性能并不理想,主要原因在于载流子复合严重、导电性差以及表面催化动力学低等性质的制约.科研工作者们针对这些方面已进行了非常多的研究,例如与电子传输层的复合、产氧电催化剂的担载以及异质结的构建等.其中表面动力学和电荷分离的同时提升是更理想的改善BiVO_4光阳极性能的方法.我们在上述研究基础上,采用光化学沉积法在纳米多孔BiVO_4电极表面担载无定形氧化铁层,将电极在1.23 V vs.RHE电位下的光电流提升至2.52 m A/cm2,是初始光电化学性能的3倍.采用间歇光照计时电流(i-t)测试,电化学交流阻抗谱(EIS),X射线光电子能谱(XPS),原位和非原位的X射线精细结构能谱(in-situ and ex-situ XAFS)等表征手段研究了无定形氧化铁层的成分和光电化学反应过程中的价态变化,从而分析出光电化学性能提升的原因.间歇光照i-t测试和EIS测试结果表明,无定形氧化铁沉积在BiVO_4使电荷累积减少,复合率降低.XPS测试结果发现无定形氧化铁层存在少量的二价铁成分.通过原位XAFS测试发现,BiVO_4/Fe Ox电极中Fe原子的价态在光照和施加外加偏压条件下会有价态的升高,而撤去光照和偏压后Fe原子的价态状态与最初非原位的测试结果重合.这样的结果证明了无定型氧化铁层在光电化学反应过程中由于二价铁成分的存在,能够很好的通过价态改变实现空穴的吸附和传输,即吸附空穴,被空穴氧化成三价或四价,同时结合自身电催化活性,促进表面分解水反应的进行.而水的氧化反应结束时,则伴随着二价铁离子的再生成.这种反应机理为开发更高效的电催化剂,匹配光电极使用,有着重大的指导意义.

绿色催化氧化合成邻硝基苯甲醛——一个氧化合成教学实验

采用“科学问题为目标导向”的实验教学指导原则,将邻硝基苯甲醛的绿色合成工艺开发为有机化学基础实验,丰富了绿色氧化反应在实验教学中的应用。本新创实验以水溶性2-(2,2,6,6-四甲基-4-亚哌啶基-1-氧化物)乙酸(简称TEMPO-COOH)为催化剂,在摩尔分数0.1%用量下,催化次氯酸钠氧化邻硝基苄醇,实现了重要有机合成中间体邻硝基苯甲醛的高选择性绿色催化合成,产率达93%,纯度>99%。作为本科生基础教学实验,本案例不仅涉及多种有机化学实验基本操作,还包含反应监测、结构表征、纯度分析等重要环节,同时还融入了绿色化学理念和有机合成方法学研究的实验探究过程。该新创实验所用试剂环境友好,安全性高,教学时长约为3–4 h,非常适合用于有机化学基础实验教学。以本实验方案为蓝本,结合有关氧化反应研究进展的微课学习和拓展练习,实现了理论知识与合成实践之间的有效互动,提升了化学专业本科生解决较为复杂有机合成问题的综合能力,提高了化学类人才的培养质量。

胆道出血6例临床分析及文献复习

背景胆道出血是上消化道出血的少见病因,胆道出血诊治是困难及具有挑战性的.目的探讨胆道出血的原因及处理方法,提高胆道出血诊治水平.方法分析我院2014-2018年确诊的6例胆道出血患者的临床资料、出血原因及其治疗方法,并进行相关文献复习,总结出胆道出血的诊治流程.结果胆道出血患者6例,男性4例,女2例,26-68岁,平均年龄54.2岁.其中肿瘤病变2例,胆囊结石1例,胆囊假性动脉瘤1例;肝移植术后1例;胆道感染1例.外科手术治疗2例,内镜下治疗1例,血管介入治疗1例;内科保守治疗2例.治愈5例,失血性休克死亡1例.结论胆道出血诊治是困难及具有挑战性,提高对胆道出血的认识,及时细致的检查和合理选择处理方式,是提高胆道出血诊治水平的关键.

Genetic aberration in primary hepatocellular carcinoma:correlation between p53 gene mutation and loss-of-heterozygosity on chromosome 16q21-q23 and 9p21-p23

To elucidate the molecular pathology underlying the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), we used 41 highly polymorphic microsatellite markers to examine 55 HCC and corresponding non-tumor liver tissues on chromosome 9, 16 and 17. Loss-of-heterozygosity (LOH) is observed with high frequency on chromosomal region 17p13 (36/55, 65%), 9p21-p23 (28/55, 51%), 16q21-q23 (27/55, 49%) in tumors. Meanwhile, microsatellite instability is rarely found in these microsatellite loci. Direct sequencing was performed to detect the tentative mutation of tumor suppressor genes in these regions: p53, MTS1/p16, and CDH1/E-cadherin. Within exon 5-9 of p53 gene, 14 out of 55 HCC specimens (24%) have somatic mutations, and nucleotide deletion of this gene is reported in HCC for the first time. Mutation in MTS1/pl6 is found only in one tumor case. We do not find mutations in CDH1/E-cadherin. Furthermore, a statistically significant correlation is present between p53 gene mutation and loss of chromosome region 16q21q23 and 9p21-p23, which indicates that synergism between p53 inactivation and deletion of 16q21-q23 and 9p21-p23 may play a role in the pathogenesis of HCC. Genetic aberration in hepatocellular

Application of medial column classification in treatment of intraarticular calcaneal fractures

BACKGROUND There are many types of treatments for calcaneal fractures,including conservative treatment,conventional surgical treatment,and minimally invasive surgery.The choice of specific treatment options is still controversial.Open reduction and internal fixation are currently the most commonly used surgical procedures in the clinic.A good fracture reduction effect can be achieved by using the lateral extension incision of the calcaneus;however,many studies have reported a high incidence of postoperative incision complications.Although there are many methods for the classification of intra-articular calcaneal fractures,it is generally believed that the computed tomography(CT)classification proposed by Sanders has high application value in the selection of treatment methods and evaluation of prognosis of calcaneal fractures.However,this method has no clear guiding significance for the choice of surgical incision and surgical plan.AIM To explore the application and clinical efficacy of medial column classification in the treatment of intra-articular calcaneal fractures.METHODS From July 2017 to July 2018,91 patients,including 60 males and 31 females aged 27 to 60 years,were enrolled.All participants had closed intra-articular calcaneal fracture,and their surgical options were selected under the guidance of medial column classification.The patients'fractures were classified according to the Sanders classification:Type II,35 cases;Type III,33 cases;and Type IV,23 cases.Among them,53 patients had medial column displacement(shortened varus)and underwent open reduction and internal fixation with L-lateral incision of the calcaneus;38 patients had no displacement of the medial column and underwent open reduction and internal fixation with tarsal sinus incision.The calcaneus Bohler angle,Gissane angle,length,width,height,and step thickness of the articular surface were evaluated by X-ray and three-dimensional CT before and after surgery and at the last follow-up.Foot function recovery was assessed by the Maryland foot scoring criteria.RESULTS All patients were followed for 5 to 14 mo,with an average of 10.5±2.9 mo.The fractures of all patients healed,and the healing time was 10 to 19 wk,with an average of 10.8±1.5 wk.One patient developed wound infection 1 wk after surgery and was actively debrided and implanted with antibiotic calcium sulfate to control the infection.The patient's fracture healed 5 mo after surgery.One patient developed a sural nerve injury,and the symptoms disappeared 3 mo after surgery.The patients were assessed according to the Maryland foot scoring system:Excellent in 77 cases,good in 10,and fair in 4.The excellent and good rate was 95.6%.CONCLUSION Medial column classification can effectively guide the surgical selection for intraarticular fractures of the calcaneus.

Study on the characteristics of intestinal motility of constipation in patients with Parkinson's disease

BACKGROUND Constipation is one of the most important nonmotor symptoms in Parkinson's disease(PD)patients,and constipation of different severities is closely related to the pathogenesis of PD.PD with constipation(PDC)is considered a unique type of constipation,but its mechanism of formation and factors affecting its severity have been less reported.Understanding the gastrointestinal motility characteristics and constipation classification of PDC patients is essential to guide the treatment of PDC.In this study,the colonic transit test and high-resolution anorectal manometry were used to identify the intestinal motility of PDC to provide a basis for the treatment of PDC.AIM To investigate the clinical classification of PDC,to clarify its characteristics of colonic motility and rectal anal canal pressure,and to provide a basis for further research on the pathogenesis of PDC.METHODS Twenty PDC patients and 20 patients with functional constipation(FC)who were treated at Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University from August 6,2018 to December 2,2019 were included.A colonic transit test and high-resolution anorectal manometry were performed to compare the differences in colonic transit time,rectal anal canal pressure,and constipation classification between the two groups.RESULTS There were no statistically significant differences in sex,age,body mass index,or duration of constipation between the two groups.It was found that more patients in the PDC group exhibited difficulty in defecating than in the FC group,and the difference was statistically significant.The rectal resting pressure,anal sphincter resting pressure,intrarectal pressure,and anal relaxation rate in the PDC group were significantly lower than those in the FC group.The proportion of paradoxical contractions in the PDC group was significantly higher than that in the FC group.There was a statistically significant difference in the type composition ratio of defecatory disorders between the two groups(P<0.05).The left colonic transit time,rectosigmoid colonic transit time(RSCTT),and total colonic transit time were prolonged in PDC and FC patients compared to normal values.The patients with FC had a significantly longer right colonic transit time and a significantly shorter RSCTT than patients with PDC(P<0.05).Mixed constipation predominated in PDC patients and FC patients,and no significant difference was observed.CONCLUSION Patients with PDC and FC have severe functional dysmotility of the colon and rectum,but there are certain differences in segmental colonic transit time and rectal anal canal pressure between the two groups.

High-sensitivity methane monitoring based on quasi-fundamental mode matched continuous-wave cavity ring-down spectroscopy

Continuous-wave cavity ring-down spectroscopy(CW-CRDS)is an important technical means to monitor greenhouse gases in atmospheric environment.In this paper,a CW-CRDS system is built to meet the needs of atmospheric methane monitoring.The problem of mode matching is explained from the perspective of transverse mode and longitudinal mode,and the influence of laser injection efficiency on measurement precision is further analyzed.The results of cavity ring-down time measurement show that the measurement precision is higher when the laser is coupled with the fundamental mode.In the experiment,DFB laser is used to calibrate the system with standard methane concentration,and the measurement residual is less than±4×10^(-4)μs^(-1).The methane concentration in the air is monitored in real time for two days.The results show the consistency of the concentration changes over the two days,which further demonstrates the reliability of the system for the measurement of trace methane.By analyzing the influence of mode matching,it not only assists the adjustment of the optical path,but also further improves the sensitivity of the system measurement.

Modulating MAPbI3 perovskite solar cells by amide molecules:Crystallographic regulation and surface passivation

A controllable crystallization is of practical importance to produce high-quality perovskite thin films with reduced structural defects.Lewis bases as electron-pair donor chemicals can strongly coordinate to lead ions and have been extensively employed to manipulate the growth of perovskite crystals.In this work,we demonstrate a series of Lewis-base amides,for morphological regulation of methylammonium lead triiodide(MAPbI3)thin films.The screened acetamide was demonstrated to decently improve the grain size,along with a spatial distribution at grain boundaries(GBs).The mesostructured solar cells of acetamide-modified absorbers yielded an optimized power conversion efficiency(PCE)of 20.04%with a mitigated open-circuit voltage(V_(OC))deficit of 0.39 V.This work provides a facile and cost-effective strategy toward controllable fabrication of high-performance MAPbI3 solar cells.

Effects of Different Proportions of Spent Pleurotus ostreatus Substrate on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Mung Beans

[Objectives] This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different proportions of spent Pleurotus ostreatus substrate on the germination and seedling growth of mung beans. [Methods] The cellulose-degrading bacteria HB8 and HF1 were mixed with a commercially available microbial composting agent, respectively, for the composting of spent P. ostreatus substrate. Mung beans were cultivated with different proportions of spent mushroom substrate compost and soil. The seed germination rate, plant height, fresh weight and chlorophyll content of mung bean were used as indicators to investigate the effects of the organic fertilizer from spent P. ostreatus substrate on the growth of mung bean seedlings. [Results] The addition of cellulose-degrading bacteria can significantly improve the composting effect of the spent mushroom substrate. After 8 d of cultivation of mung beans with different ratios of the mushroom substrate organic fertilizer, 50% of the organic fertilizer can make the plant height, fresh weight and leaf chlorophyll content of mung bean seedlings reach the highest value and was suitable for mung bean breeding and cultivation. [Conclusions] This study provides scientific basis and technical indicators for the rapid and harmless treatment of spent mushroom substrate and its application in crop cultivation and nursery.

Predictive value of serum cystatin C for risk of mortality in severe and critically ill patients with COVID-19

BACKGROUND The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)has rapidly evolved into a global pandemic.COVID-19 is clinically categorized into mild,moderate,severe,and critical illness.Acute kidney injury is an independent risk factor for poor prognosis in patients with.Serum cystatin C(s Cys C)is considered a more sensitive biomarker for early renal insufficiency than conventional indicators of renal function.Early detection of risk factors that affect the prognosis of severe and critically ill patients while using active and effective treatment measures is very important and can effectively reduce the potential mortality rate.AIM To determine the predictive value of s Cys C for the prognosis of patients with COVID-19.METHODS The clinical data of 101 severe and critically ill patients with COVID-19 at a designated hospital in Wuhan,Hubei Province,China were analyzed retrospectively.According to the clinical outcome,the patients were divided into a discharge group(64 cases)and a death group(37 cases).The general information,underlying diseases,and laboratory examination indexes of the two groups were compared.Multivariate Cox regression was used to explore the relationship between s Cys C and prognosis.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to demonstrate the sensitivity and specificity of s Cys C and its optimal cut-off value for predicting death.RESULTS There were significant differences in age,s Cys C,creatinine,C-reactive protein,serum albumin,creatine kinase-MB,alkaline phosphatase,lactate dehydrogenase,neutrophil count,and lymphocyte count between the two groups(P<0.001).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that s Cys C was an independent risk factor for death in patients with COVID-19(Odds ratio=1.812,95%confidence interval[CI]:1.300-2.527,P<0.001).The area under the ROC curve was 0.755(95%CI:1.300-2.527),the cut-off value was 0.80,the specificity was 0.562,and the sensitivity was 0.865.CONCLUSION s Cys C is an independent risk factor for death in patients with COVID-19.Patients with a s Cys C level of 0.80 mg/L or greater are at a high risk of death.

Mediating the Local Oxygen‑Bridge Interactions of Oxysalt/Perovskite Interface for Defect Passivation of Perovskite Photovoltaics

Passivation,as a classical surface treatment technique,has been widely accepted in start-of-the-art perovskite solar cells(PSCs)that can effectively modulate the electronic and chemical property of defective perovskite surface.The discovery of inorganic passivation compounds,such as oxysalts,has largely advanced the efficiency and lifetime of PSCs on account of its favorable electrical property and remarkable inherent stability,but a lack of deep understanding of how its local configuration affects the passivation effectiveness is a huge impediment for future interfacial molecular engineering.Here,we demonstrate the central-atom-dependent-passivation of oxysalt on perovskite surface,in which the central atoms of oxyacid anions dominate the interfacial oxygen-bridge strength.We revealed that the balance of local interactions between the central atoms of oxyacid anions(e.g.,N,C,S,P,Si)and the metal cations on perovskite surface(e.g.,Pb)generally determines the bond formation at oxysalt/perovskite interface,which can be understood by the bond order conservation principle.Silicate with less electronegative Si central atoms provides strong O-Pb motif and improved passivation effect,delivering a champion efficiency of 17.26%for CsPbI2Br solar cells.Our strategy is also universally effective in improving the device performance of several commonly used perovskite compositions.