目的:运用Meta分析方法系统评价康复外骨骼机器人对脑卒中患者下肢运动功能的康复疗效,并比较不同下肢外骨骼机器人的疗效差异,为脑卒中下肢运动功能障碍患者选择适合的外骨骼机器人提供科学理论依据。方法:计算机检索Cochrane Library...目的:运用Meta分析方法系统评价康复外骨骼机器人对脑卒中患者下肢运动功能的康复疗效,并比较不同下肢外骨骼机器人的疗效差异,为脑卒中下肢运动功能障碍患者选择适合的外骨骼机器人提供科学理论依据。方法:计算机检索Cochrane Library、PubMed、Web of Science、Embase、中国知网、维普和万方数据库的相关文献,收集从建库至2022年11月发表的关于探讨下肢康复外骨骼机器人改善脑卒中患者下肢运动功能的随机对照临床试验。由2名研究人员进行文献检索与筛选,使用Cochrane 5.1.0偏倚风险评估工具和Jadad量表对纳入文献进行质量评价。采用RevMan 5.4和Stata 17.0软件对结局指标进行Meta分析。结果:①最终纳入22篇文献,Jadad评分显示均为高质量文献,共865例患者,试验组436例、对照组429例。②Meta分析结果显示,与对照组相比,外骨骼机器人可显著提高脑卒中患者下肢运动功能(Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Lower Extremity,FMA-LE)评分(MD=2.63,95%CI:1.87-3.38,P<0.05)、平衡功能(Berg Balance Scale,BBS)评分(MD=3.62,95%CI:1.21-6.03,P<0.05)、站起-走测试量表(Timed Up and Go,TUG)评分(MD=-2.77,95%CI:-4.48至-1.05,P<0.05)和步频(MD=3.15,95%CI:1.57-4.72,P<0.05),但对功能性步行量表(Functional Ambulation Category Scale,FAC)评分(MD=0.30,95%CI:-0.01-0.61,P>0.05)和6 min步行测试(6-minute walk test,6MWT)评分(MD=3.77,95%CI:-6.60-14.14,P>0.05)的提高不明显。③网状Meta分析结果显示,FMA-LE评分:平地行走式外骨骼(MD=10.23,95%CI:3.81-27.49,P<0.05)和减重式外骨骼(MD=33.66,95%CI:11.49-98.54,P<0.05)与常规康复治疗相比均能改善FMA-LE评分,排序结果为减重式外骨骼>平地行走式外骨骼>常规康复治疗;BBS评分:减重式外骨骼(MD=79.86,95%CI:2.34-2725.99,P<0.05)与常规康复治疗相比能显著改善BBS评分,排序结果为减重式外骨骼>平地行走式外骨骼>常规康复治疗;FAC评分:平地行走式外骨骼(MD=1.38,95%CI:1.00-1.90,P<0.05)与常规康复治疗相比能显著改善FAC评分,排序结果为平地行走式外骨骼>减重式外骨骼>常规康复治疗;TUG评分:减重式外骨骼与常规康复治疗相比(MD=0.07,95%CI:0.01-0.51,P<0.05)能显著改善TUG评分,排序结果为平地行走式外骨骼>减重式外骨骼>常规康复治疗。结论:康复外骨骼机器人可以改善脑卒中患者平衡、步行以及日常生活活动能力,其中减重式外骨骼在提高下肢运动功能和平衡功能方面疗效更优,平地行走式外骨骼在提高功能性步行和转移能力方面疗效更佳。展开更多
目的分析近10年脑机接口技术应用于康复领域的相关研究。方法检索2013年1月至2023年8月中国知网和Web of Science核心合集中有关脑机接口技术用于康复领域的文献。应用CiteSpace 6.2.R4软件进行可视化分析并绘制知识图谱。结果共纳入158...目的分析近10年脑机接口技术应用于康复领域的相关研究。方法检索2013年1月至2023年8月中国知网和Web of Science核心合集中有关脑机接口技术用于康复领域的文献。应用CiteSpace 6.2.R4软件进行可视化分析并绘制知识图谱。结果共纳入1582篇文献,其中中文文献506篇,英文文献1076篇。中英文年发文量均呈上升趋势。英文文献中,中国为发文量最多的国家,美国中心性最高。中文高产作者为明东,高产机构为天津大学。英文高产作者为Birbaumer N、Jochumsen M,高产机构为图宾根大学。中英文研究热点包括运动想象、脑卒中、脑电信号等。聚类结果显示,相关研究主要聚集于基础研究、疾病、功能以及联合应用4个方面。脑机接口联合运动想象、外骨骼康复机器人、功能性电刺激、虚拟现实等在脑卒中后的应用占较大比例。结论脑机接口应用于康复医学领域相关研究的热度总体呈上升趋势。未来可持续关注脑机接口技术在脑卒中、脊髓损伤、肌萎缩侧索硬化症患者中的应用。神经可塑性和信号解码等基础研究值得国内学者关注。展开更多
The high overlap of participants in the carbon emissions trading and electricity markets couples the operations of the two markets.The carbon emission cost(CEC)of coal-fired units becomes part of the power generation ...The high overlap of participants in the carbon emissions trading and electricity markets couples the operations of the two markets.The carbon emission cost(CEC)of coal-fired units becomes part of the power generation cost through market coupling.The accuracy of CEC calculation affects the clearing capacity of coal-fired units in the electric power market.Study of carbon–electricity market interaction and CEC calculations is still in its initial stages.This study analyzes the impact of carbon emissions trading and compliance on the operation of the electric power market and defines the cost transmission mode between the carbon emissions trading and electric power markets.A long-period interactive operation simulation mechanism for the carbon–electricity market is established,and operation and trading models of the carbon emissions trading market and electric power market are established.A daily rolling estimation method for the CEC of coal-fired units is proposed,along with the CEC per unit electric quantity of the coal-fired units.The feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method are verified through an example simulation,and the factors influencing the CEC are analyzed.展开更多
This study aims to improve the value of fast-growing wood and extend the heat-treated wood utilization using inorganic calcium carbonate(CaCO_(3))crystals via an in-situ synthesis method.CaCl_(2)and Na 2CO_(3)solution...This study aims to improve the value of fast-growing wood and extend the heat-treated wood utilization using inorganic calcium carbonate(CaCO_(3))crystals via an in-situ synthesis method.CaCl_(2)and Na 2CO_(3)solutions with a concentration ratio of 1:1 were successively introduced into the thermally modified poplar wood obtained by steam heat treatment(HT)at 200℃for 1.5 and 3 h,resulting in the in-situ synthesis of CaCO_(3)crystals inside the heat-treated wood.The filling effect was best at the concentration of 1.2 mol/L.CaCO_(3)was uniformly distributed in the cell cavities of the heat-treated wood,and some of the crystals were embedded in the fissures of the wood cell walls.The morphology of CaCO_(3)crystals was mainly spherical and rhombic polyhedral.Three main types of CaCO_(3)crystals were calcite,vaterite,and aragonite.The HT of poplar wood at 200℃resulted in degrading the chemical components of the wood cell wall.This degradation led to reduced wood mechanical properties,including the surface hardness(HD),modulus of rupture(MOR),and modulus of elasticity(MOE).After CaCO_(3)was in-situ synthesized in the heat-treated wood,the HD increased by 18.36%and 16.35%,and MOR increased by 14.64%and 8.89%,respectively.Because of the CaCO_(3)synthesization,the char residue of the 200℃heat-treated wood samples increased by 9.31%and the maximum weight loss rate decreased by 19.80%,indicating that the filling with CaCO_(3)cannot only improve the mechanical properties of the heat-treated wood but also effectively enhance its thermal stability.展开更多
为了更好地研究管线钢在土壤溶液中的腐蚀机理,为其防腐蚀措施的制订提供理论依据,采用四点弯曲法,结合动电位极化和电化学交流阻抗等电化学测试技术研究了近中性模拟土壤溶液中应力、温度以及主要离子浓度等因素对X80钢应力腐蚀行为的...为了更好地研究管线钢在土壤溶液中的腐蚀机理,为其防腐蚀措施的制订提供理论依据,采用四点弯曲法,结合动电位极化和电化学交流阻抗等电化学测试技术研究了近中性模拟土壤溶液中应力、温度以及主要离子浓度等因素对X80钢应力腐蚀行为的影响。结果表明:在NS4溶液中,应力变化对于Ecorr的影响很小,其仅在15 m V内波动;温度对腐蚀速率的影响呈现规律性变化,即温度升高,X80钢的腐蚀速率增大;外加应力存在时,随Cl-浓度的增加,其自腐蚀电位Ecorr和腐蚀速率变化较大,均比无应力时的高;在较低HCO3-存在的条件下,HCO3-有促进腐蚀加剧的作用。展开更多
The Panguan Syncline contains abundant coal resources, which may be a potential source of coalbed methane. In order to evaluate the coalbed methane production potential in this area, we investi- gated the pore-fractur...The Panguan Syncline contains abundant coal resources, which may be a potential source of coalbed methane. In order to evaluate the coalbed methane production potential in this area, we investi- gated the pore-fracture system of coalbed methane reservoirs, and analyzed the gas sorption and seepage capacities by using various analytical methods, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical microscopy, mercury-injection test, low-temperature N2 isotherm adsorption/desorption analyses, low- field nuclear magnetic resonance and methane isothermal adsorption measurements. The results show that the samples of the coal reservoirs in the Panguan Syncline have moderate gas sorption capacity. However, the coals in the study area have favorable seepage capacities, and are conductive for the coalbed methane production. The physical properties of the coalbed methane reservoirs in the Panguan Syncline are gener- ally controlled by coal metamorphism: the low rank coal usually has low methane sorption capacity and its pore and microfractures are poorly developed; while the medium rank coal has better methane sorption capacity, and its seepage pores and microfractures are well developed, which are sufficient for the coalbed methane's gathering and exploration. Therefore, the medium rank coals in the Panguan Syncline are the most prospective targets for the coalbed methane exploration and production.展开更多
Cerium oxide nanoparticles(CeO_(2) NPs)are likely to have dramatic impacts on plant performances,yet the effects of CeO_(2) NPs on seed germination and seedling growth have not been fully explored.In this study,the se...Cerium oxide nanoparticles(CeO_(2) NPs)are likely to have dramatic impacts on plant performances,yet the effects of CeO_(2) NPs on seed germination and seedling growth have not been fully explored.In this study,the seed germination and seedling growth of subshrub species Vitex negundo under different concentrations of CeO_(2) NPs(low-1 mg/L,medium-100 mg/L,high-500 mg/L)have been discussed.Results showed that:(1)The seed germination rate reduces by 11.25%and 2.5%under the low and medium concentrations of CeO_(2) NPs,respectively,but increased by 7.08%under the high concentration;(2)CeO_(2) NPs had significant effects on the growth traits(root length,shoot height and biomass)of seedlings,being the highest under the medium concentration and the lowest under the highest concentration;(3)The superoxide dismutase activity was the maximum(355.91 U/g),but the protein concentration was the minimum(3.85 ug/mL)under the high concentration of CeO_(2) NPs.Our results indicated that the effects of CeO_(2) NPs on seed germination and seedling growth are concentration-dependency,i.e.,low and medium concentrations inhibited while high concentration promoted seed germination,however,seedling growth showed opposite responses.Therefore,appropriate CeO_(2) NPs concentrations are beneficial to the seed germination and seedling growth of Vitex negundo and improve the physiological performance of seedlings and enhance their adaptability to environmental adversity.展开更多
Carbon nanotube (CNT)/maleic acid anhydride (MAH)-grafted polypropylene (PP) composites were prepared by in situ grafting method. Infrared spectroscopy showed that the CNTs were linked to PP by MAH grafting. The...Carbon nanotube (CNT)/maleic acid anhydride (MAH)-grafted polypropylene (PP) composites were prepared by in situ grafting method. Infrared spectroscopy showed that the CNTs were linked to PP by MAH grafting. The microstructures and calorimetry analysis indicated that the crystallization behaviors of the filled and unfilled PP were quite different. The addition of CNTs dramatically reduced the spherulite size, increased crystallization rate and improved the thermal stability of PP. These results confirmed the expected nucleant effect of CNT on the crystallization of PP. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy showed that the CNTs were dispersed homogeneously, indicating that the original CNT bundles were separated into individual tubes by the grafting.展开更多
Cardiopulmonary complications are major drivers of mortality caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.Interleukin-18,an inflammasomeinduced cytokine,has emerged as a novel mediator of cardiopulmonary pathologies but its regulat...Cardiopulmonary complications are major drivers of mortality caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.Interleukin-18,an inflammasomeinduced cytokine,has emerged as a novel mediator of cardiopulmonary pathologies but its regulation via SARS-CoV-2 signaling remains unknown.Based on a screening panel,IL-18 was identified amongst 19 cytokines to stratify mortality and hospitalization burden in patients hospitalized with COVID-19.Supporting clinical data,administration of SARS-CoV-2 Spike 1(S1)glycoprotein or receptor-binding domain(RBD)proteins into human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2(hACE2)transgenic mice induced cardiac fibrosis and dysfunction associated with higher NF-κB phosphorylation(pNF-κB)and cardiopulmonary-derived IL-18 and NLRP3 expression.IL-18 inhibition via IL-18BP resulted in decreased cardiac pNF-κB and improved cardiac fibrosis and dysfunction in S1-or RBD-exposed hACE2 mice.Through in vivo and in vitro work,both S1 and RBD proteins induced NLRP3 inflammasome and IL-18 expression by inhibiting mitophagy and increasing mitochondrial reactive oxygenation species.Enhancing mitophagy prevented Spike protein-mediated IL-18 expression.Moreover,IL-18 inhibition reduced Spike protein-mediated pNF-κB and EC permeability.Overall,the link between reduced mitophagy and inflammasome activation represents a novel mechanism during COVID-19 pathogenesis and suggests IL-18 and mitophagy as potential therapeutic targets.展开更多
文摘目的:运用Meta分析方法系统评价康复外骨骼机器人对脑卒中患者下肢运动功能的康复疗效,并比较不同下肢外骨骼机器人的疗效差异,为脑卒中下肢运动功能障碍患者选择适合的外骨骼机器人提供科学理论依据。方法:计算机检索Cochrane Library、PubMed、Web of Science、Embase、中国知网、维普和万方数据库的相关文献,收集从建库至2022年11月发表的关于探讨下肢康复外骨骼机器人改善脑卒中患者下肢运动功能的随机对照临床试验。由2名研究人员进行文献检索与筛选,使用Cochrane 5.1.0偏倚风险评估工具和Jadad量表对纳入文献进行质量评价。采用RevMan 5.4和Stata 17.0软件对结局指标进行Meta分析。结果:①最终纳入22篇文献,Jadad评分显示均为高质量文献,共865例患者,试验组436例、对照组429例。②Meta分析结果显示,与对照组相比,外骨骼机器人可显著提高脑卒中患者下肢运动功能(Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Lower Extremity,FMA-LE)评分(MD=2.63,95%CI:1.87-3.38,P<0.05)、平衡功能(Berg Balance Scale,BBS)评分(MD=3.62,95%CI:1.21-6.03,P<0.05)、站起-走测试量表(Timed Up and Go,TUG)评分(MD=-2.77,95%CI:-4.48至-1.05,P<0.05)和步频(MD=3.15,95%CI:1.57-4.72,P<0.05),但对功能性步行量表(Functional Ambulation Category Scale,FAC)评分(MD=0.30,95%CI:-0.01-0.61,P>0.05)和6 min步行测试(6-minute walk test,6MWT)评分(MD=3.77,95%CI:-6.60-14.14,P>0.05)的提高不明显。③网状Meta分析结果显示,FMA-LE评分:平地行走式外骨骼(MD=10.23,95%CI:3.81-27.49,P<0.05)和减重式外骨骼(MD=33.66,95%CI:11.49-98.54,P<0.05)与常规康复治疗相比均能改善FMA-LE评分,排序结果为减重式外骨骼>平地行走式外骨骼>常规康复治疗;BBS评分:减重式外骨骼(MD=79.86,95%CI:2.34-2725.99,P<0.05)与常规康复治疗相比能显著改善BBS评分,排序结果为减重式外骨骼>平地行走式外骨骼>常规康复治疗;FAC评分:平地行走式外骨骼(MD=1.38,95%CI:1.00-1.90,P<0.05)与常规康复治疗相比能显著改善FAC评分,排序结果为平地行走式外骨骼>减重式外骨骼>常规康复治疗;TUG评分:减重式外骨骼与常规康复治疗相比(MD=0.07,95%CI:0.01-0.51,P<0.05)能显著改善TUG评分,排序结果为平地行走式外骨骼>减重式外骨骼>常规康复治疗。结论:康复外骨骼机器人可以改善脑卒中患者平衡、步行以及日常生活活动能力,其中减重式外骨骼在提高下肢运动功能和平衡功能方面疗效更优,平地行走式外骨骼在提高功能性步行和转移能力方面疗效更佳。
基金supported by Anhui Provincial Natural Science Foundation(No.2208085UD02)National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.52077061).
文摘The high overlap of participants in the carbon emissions trading and electricity markets couples the operations of the two markets.The carbon emission cost(CEC)of coal-fired units becomes part of the power generation cost through market coupling.The accuracy of CEC calculation affects the clearing capacity of coal-fired units in the electric power market.Study of carbon–electricity market interaction and CEC calculations is still in its initial stages.This study analyzes the impact of carbon emissions trading and compliance on the operation of the electric power market and defines the cost transmission mode between the carbon emissions trading and electric power markets.A long-period interactive operation simulation mechanism for the carbon–electricity market is established,and operation and trading models of the carbon emissions trading market and electric power market are established.A daily rolling estimation method for the CEC of coal-fired units is proposed,along with the CEC per unit electric quantity of the coal-fired units.The feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method are verified through an example simulation,and the factors influencing the CEC are analyzed.
基金funded by“Natural Science Foundation of Anhui Province,Grant No.2008085QC130”.
文摘This study aims to improve the value of fast-growing wood and extend the heat-treated wood utilization using inorganic calcium carbonate(CaCO_(3))crystals via an in-situ synthesis method.CaCl_(2)and Na 2CO_(3)solutions with a concentration ratio of 1:1 were successively introduced into the thermally modified poplar wood obtained by steam heat treatment(HT)at 200℃for 1.5 and 3 h,resulting in the in-situ synthesis of CaCO_(3)crystals inside the heat-treated wood.The filling effect was best at the concentration of 1.2 mol/L.CaCO_(3)was uniformly distributed in the cell cavities of the heat-treated wood,and some of the crystals were embedded in the fissures of the wood cell walls.The morphology of CaCO_(3)crystals was mainly spherical and rhombic polyhedral.Three main types of CaCO_(3)crystals were calcite,vaterite,and aragonite.The HT of poplar wood at 200℃resulted in degrading the chemical components of the wood cell wall.This degradation led to reduced wood mechanical properties,including the surface hardness(HD),modulus of rupture(MOR),and modulus of elasticity(MOE).After CaCO_(3)was in-situ synthesized in the heat-treated wood,the HD increased by 18.36%and 16.35%,and MOR increased by 14.64%and 8.89%,respectively.Because of the CaCO_(3)synthesization,the char residue of the 200℃heat-treated wood samples increased by 9.31%and the maximum weight loss rate decreased by 19.80%,indicating that the filling with CaCO_(3)cannot only improve the mechanical properties of the heat-treated wood but also effectively enhance its thermal stability.
文摘为了更好地研究管线钢在土壤溶液中的腐蚀机理,为其防腐蚀措施的制订提供理论依据,采用四点弯曲法,结合动电位极化和电化学交流阻抗等电化学测试技术研究了近中性模拟土壤溶液中应力、温度以及主要离子浓度等因素对X80钢应力腐蚀行为的影响。结果表明:在NS4溶液中,应力变化对于Ecorr的影响很小,其仅在15 m V内波动;温度对腐蚀速率的影响呈现规律性变化,即温度升高,X80钢的腐蚀速率增大;外加应力存在时,随Cl-浓度的增加,其自腐蚀电位Ecorr和腐蚀速率变化较大,均比无应力时的高;在较低HCO3-存在的条件下,HCO3-有促进腐蚀加剧的作用。
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(40730422)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(2011PY0210)+1 种基金the National Basic Research Program of China(973) (902009CB219600)the Key Project of the National Science & Technology(2008ZX05034)
文摘The Panguan Syncline contains abundant coal resources, which may be a potential source of coalbed methane. In order to evaluate the coalbed methane production potential in this area, we investi- gated the pore-fracture system of coalbed methane reservoirs, and analyzed the gas sorption and seepage capacities by using various analytical methods, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical microscopy, mercury-injection test, low-temperature N2 isotherm adsorption/desorption analyses, low- field nuclear magnetic resonance and methane isothermal adsorption measurements. The results show that the samples of the coal reservoirs in the Panguan Syncline have moderate gas sorption capacity. However, the coals in the study area have favorable seepage capacities, and are conductive for the coalbed methane production. The physical properties of the coalbed methane reservoirs in the Panguan Syncline are gener- ally controlled by coal metamorphism: the low rank coal usually has low methane sorption capacity and its pore and microfractures are poorly developed; while the medium rank coal has better methane sorption capacity, and its seepage pores and microfractures are well developed, which are sufficient for the coalbed methane's gathering and exploration. Therefore, the medium rank coals in the Panguan Syncline are the most prospective targets for the coalbed methane exploration and production.
基金This study was supported by the Science and Technology Innovation Foundation of Henan Agricultural University(30601458)the Scientific Research Foundation for the Doctor of Henan Agriculture University(30500848).
文摘Cerium oxide nanoparticles(CeO_(2) NPs)are likely to have dramatic impacts on plant performances,yet the effects of CeO_(2) NPs on seed germination and seedling growth have not been fully explored.In this study,the seed germination and seedling growth of subshrub species Vitex negundo under different concentrations of CeO_(2) NPs(low-1 mg/L,medium-100 mg/L,high-500 mg/L)have been discussed.Results showed that:(1)The seed germination rate reduces by 11.25%and 2.5%under the low and medium concentrations of CeO_(2) NPs,respectively,but increased by 7.08%under the high concentration;(2)CeO_(2) NPs had significant effects on the growth traits(root length,shoot height and biomass)of seedlings,being the highest under the medium concentration and the lowest under the highest concentration;(3)The superoxide dismutase activity was the maximum(355.91 U/g),but the protein concentration was the minimum(3.85 ug/mL)under the high concentration of CeO_(2) NPs.Our results indicated that the effects of CeO_(2) NPs on seed germination and seedling growth are concentration-dependency,i.e.,low and medium concentrations inhibited while high concentration promoted seed germination,however,seedling growth showed opposite responses.Therefore,appropriate CeO_(2) NPs concentrations are beneficial to the seed germination and seedling growth of Vitex negundo and improve the physiological performance of seedlings and enhance their adaptability to environmental adversity.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.50772033,50372020)the Natural Science Fund in Hunan Province,China(No.2007FJ3003).
文摘Carbon nanotube (CNT)/maleic acid anhydride (MAH)-grafted polypropylene (PP) composites were prepared by in situ grafting method. Infrared spectroscopy showed that the CNTs were linked to PP by MAH grafting. The microstructures and calorimetry analysis indicated that the crystallization behaviors of the filled and unfilled PP were quite different. The addition of CNTs dramatically reduced the spherulite size, increased crystallization rate and improved the thermal stability of PP. These results confirmed the expected nucleant effect of CNT on the crystallization of PP. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy showed that the CNTs were dispersed homogeneously, indicating that the original CNT bundles were separated into individual tubes by the grafting.
基金National Key Research and Development Program of China(2019YFE0119400)Natural Science Foundation of China(81770059,81970052 and 82000055)+4 种基金NIH NHLBI Grant(R01HL136603 to A.A.D.)National Science Foundation CCF PIPP Grant(2200138 to J.S.C.)ZHONGNANSHAN MEDICAL FOUNDATION OF GUANGDONG PROVINCE(ZNSA-2020013)Shenzhen Science and Technology Program(JCYJ20210324122410028)Open Project of State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease(SKLRD-OP-202301/202114).
文摘Cardiopulmonary complications are major drivers of mortality caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.Interleukin-18,an inflammasomeinduced cytokine,has emerged as a novel mediator of cardiopulmonary pathologies but its regulation via SARS-CoV-2 signaling remains unknown.Based on a screening panel,IL-18 was identified amongst 19 cytokines to stratify mortality and hospitalization burden in patients hospitalized with COVID-19.Supporting clinical data,administration of SARS-CoV-2 Spike 1(S1)glycoprotein or receptor-binding domain(RBD)proteins into human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2(hACE2)transgenic mice induced cardiac fibrosis and dysfunction associated with higher NF-κB phosphorylation(pNF-κB)and cardiopulmonary-derived IL-18 and NLRP3 expression.IL-18 inhibition via IL-18BP resulted in decreased cardiac pNF-κB and improved cardiac fibrosis and dysfunction in S1-or RBD-exposed hACE2 mice.Through in vivo and in vitro work,both S1 and RBD proteins induced NLRP3 inflammasome and IL-18 expression by inhibiting mitophagy and increasing mitochondrial reactive oxygenation species.Enhancing mitophagy prevented Spike protein-mediated IL-18 expression.Moreover,IL-18 inhibition reduced Spike protein-mediated pNF-κB and EC permeability.Overall,the link between reduced mitophagy and inflammasome activation represents a novel mechanism during COVID-19 pathogenesis and suggests IL-18 and mitophagy as potential therapeutic targets.