Publications by authors named "Ning ZHU"
Ligand engineering has proven to be an effective strategy for tuning and controlling the microenvironment of coordinated metal centers, highlighting the critical bridge between the activity and structural features of catalysts during electrocatalytic CO reduction reactions (eCORR). However, the limited availability of diverse organic ligands has hindered the development of novel high-performing electrocatalysts. In contrast, small organic molecules have been widely used in the fabrication of metal complexes due to their well-defined functionalities, low cost, and easy accessibility.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Persistent inflammation in the airways is a hallmark of asthma, and researchers have extensively explored various inflammatory indicators that contribute to the condition. Despite this, there is limited research on the relationship between the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), a novel marker of inflammation, and overall mortality rates as well as mortality rates due to specific causes in individuals with asthma.
Methods: We analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) covering a 20-year period, from 1999 to 2018.
Article Synopsis
- Propagation-based imaging computed tomography (PBI-CT) is gaining popularity for visualizing low-density materials thanks to its high resolution and image contrast, but it poses radiation risks in live animal imaging due to high doses.
- This study integrates a deep learning method called Sparse2Noise with PBI-CT to significantly reduce radiation exposure (up to 90%) while preserving image quality, showing improved results over traditional low-dose imaging methods.
- The findings indicate that Sparse2Noise provides a better signal-to-noise ratio compared to two other advanced low-dose algorithms, enhancing the effectiveness of PBI-CT for biomedical applications.
Article Synopsis
- Researchers developed a new method for breaking S-S bonds using a Se-S dynamic exchange reaction with NaSe-disulfide.
- This method was successfully applied to create benzothiazole derivatives, showing effective bond cleavage with lower amounts of the reagent needed.
- The findings suggest that this metal selenide-disulfide interchange could be a useful technique for synthesizing various sulfur-containing compounds.
Article Synopsis
- - The study investigates hub genes linked to central post-stroke pain (CPSP) in ischemic stroke (IS) using public databases and bioinformatics to enhance understanding of CPSP in IS patients.
- - Researchers identified 13 differentially expressed genes related to significant pathways and narrowed it down to 3 hub genes (CD163, MMP9, ARG1) that are highly expressed in IS patients and show promising diagnostic capabilities.
- - The study also explored various immune cell infiltration differences, predicted relevant microRNAs and transcription factors, and identified potential small molecular drugs, thus providing insights into the mechanisms of CPSP in IS and laying groundwork for future research.
Objective: To compare the diagnostic value between mNGS and conventional tests in suspected pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) patients with scarce sputum or with negative sputum etiological test results.
Methods: We enrolled eligible patients admitted to our department from 2018 to 2021. Their bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung biopsy tissue samples were sent for mNGS and conventional tests.
Article Synopsis
- * A 62-year-old man underwent a successful one-stop procedure that integrated ethanol infusion in the vein of Marshall, radiofrequency catheter ablation, and left atrial appendage occlusion.
- * Follow-up results showed effective AF treatment with sinus rhythm and no silent ischemia, suggesting this innovative approach could be beneficial for patients with AF.
Article Synopsis
- * Data analyzed from 173 villages between 2012 and 2019 shows that while there have been improvements in RLEI, there are still gaps in meeting farmers' expectations for a better quality of life.
- * The research suggests enhancing systems to attract skilled and ethical individuals for village leadership, along with modernized monitoring, to foster stronger rural development and community support.
Article Synopsis
- - Hydrogel-based scaffolds are popular in soft tissue regeneration for their ability to create a biocompatible and tissue-like environment, but assessing their mechanical properties and microstructure post-implantation poses challenges due to the destructiveness of traditional testing methods.
- - The study explores the use of synchrotron radiation propagation-based imaging-computed tomography (SR-PBI-CT) as a non-destructive technique for characterizing the mechanical and internal properties of these scaffolds.
- - Researchers created hydrogel scaffolds with specific biomaterial inks, tested their compressive strength, and simultaneously imaged them under mechanical load to determine their stress-strain behavior and internal microstructure, achieving Young's modulus values between 5-25 kPa.
In this report, we have established a novel and efficient method for selectively synthesizing either vinyl sulfides or 2-methylbenzothiazoles from the reaction of CaC and disulfides. The selective synthesis of these two distinct products can be controlled by simply adjusting the amount of KS. The underlying reaction mechanism has been thoroughly investigated through control experiments, HRMS, and FTIR, which collectively support the pivotal role of a trisulfur radical anion.
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- Modulating signals in spectroscopy helps reduce noise, but using optical modulators with broadband coherent light sources like optical frequency combs can complicate experiments.
- This study introduces a new technique called broadband Faraday modulation rotation spectroscopy (FAMOS) that makes it easier to apply modulation by lowering the modulation frequency from tens of MHz to kHz.
- The new method not only simplifies the setup but also enhances the signal-to-noise ratio by effectively managing low-frequency noise, leading to more accurate measurements in practical applications.
Article Synopsis
- Prospective memory (PM) impairment is a frequent issue following moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), often treated with compensatory strategy training (COMP) and rehabilitation.
- This study investigates how COMP affects white matter integrity in TBI patients, using advanced diffusion MRI techniques to assess brain changes.
- Results show that the COMP group experienced less neural degeneration compared to those receiving routine care, suggesting that the intervention may help preserve brain function post-injury.
Article Synopsis
- * This study analyzes Chinese A-share listed companies from 2007 to 2022, integrating Online Public Opinion into deep learning models to create a public opinion attention index that measures how investor sentiment influences green investment decisions.
- * Findings indicate that as companies undergo digital transformation, their green investments increase, with Online Public Opinion positively amplifying this effect, particularly in state-owned enterprises and companies with strong tech capabilities.
Analysis of the relationship between sleep-related disorders and cadmium in the US population.
Front Public Health
November 2024
Article Synopsis
- - The study investigated how blood cadmium levels affect sleep disorders in US adults, focusing on aspects like sleep duration, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) symptoms, and daytime sleepiness.
- - Analyzing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), the results indicated that participants with higher cadmium levels had a significantly increased risk of insufficient sleep and OSA symptoms.
- - Specifically, those in the highest quartile of blood cadmium were found to be 53% more likely to experience OSA symptoms and had a 1.57 times greater risk of not getting enough sleep compared to those with lower levels.
Article Synopsis
- Traditional methods for accessing the human cochlear nerve are limited due to its location within the skull's bony structure.
- This study introduces a minimally invasive technique for directly reaching the cochlear nerve to apply new regenerative treatments.
- Using advanced imaging and anatomical studies, researchers identified a safe pathway to the nerve and successfully validated it on multiple human temporal bones.
Article Synopsis
- The study focuses on Stenotrophomonas rhizophila JC1 and its extracellular polysaccharides (EPS), which are effective in adsorbing heavy metals, particularly lead (Pb), in optimal fermentation conditions determined by the Box-Behnken design (BBD).
- The composition of EPS includes glucose, glucosamine, galactose, and mannose in specific ratios, and it features four distinct polymers with varying molecular weights; the adsorption behaviors followed established models for kinetics and isotherms.
- The findings indicate that Pb negatively affects alfalfa growth and development, but low concentrations of EPS can enhance seed germination and mitigate Pb stress, suggesting EPS's potential for soil
Ultrasonic-mediated plasmid transformation is a promising microbial transformation strategy with broad application prospects that has attracted interest across various fields. Limited research exists on developing a quantitative model to understand the relationship between transformation efficiency and ultrasonic power. Within the ultrasonic range that did not damage plasmids, the maximum transformation efficiency reached at 4.
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- Balance dysfunction affects a significant number of stroke patients, with existing therapies like virtual reality therapy (VRT) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) showing promise in improving balance but lacking research on their combined effectiveness.
- This study involved a randomized controlled trial with 136 stroke patients, who were divided into four groups: one receiving VRT, another undergoing rTMS, a third getting both treatments, and a control group doing traditional balance training.
- Participants were evaluated over 4 weeks using various balance and mobility assessments, aiming to determine the impact of the combined treatment on balance function and brain plasticity.
Article Synopsis
- This study explores the role of Rhodococcus erythropolis KB1 in enhancing the remediation of TPH-contaminated soil through microbial-phytoremediation strategies.
- KB1 promotes plant growth, helps degrade TPH, and supports stress resistance in alfalfa, leading to a 95% degradation rate when combined with plant-microbial remediation.
- The research highlights that KB1's multifaceted abilities, including boosting soil nutrient levels and recruiting beneficial bacteria, significantly improve overall cleanup efforts for contaminated soils.
Article Synopsis
- * A new drug delivery system was developed that combines NT with HPMC through supercritical antisolvent (SAS) technology, optimizing various conditions to create a solid dispersion with enhanced solubility.
- * The resulting NT/HPMC solid dispersion showed significantly improved drug release, good biocompatibility, and antibacterial effects in vitro, suggesting it could be an effective method for delivering NT.
Article Synopsis
- Extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD) is a rare skin cancer with an unclear cause and potential to spread, where surgery is the main treatment but more effective therapies are needed.
- In a study analyzing 815 EMPD patients, factors like older age, metastasis, and radiotherapy were linked to worse outcomes, while chemotherapy seemed to have a negative impact on patient prognosis.
- The research indicated that EMPD tissues had more immune-related activity, particularly in patients with low ERBB2 expression, suggesting that these patients might benefit from immunotherapy focusing on B cells.
Article Synopsis
- Dangshen, a medicinal plant, faces cultivation challenges due to its slow growth and environmental stress, prompting a study to enhance its yield and quality through sustainable practices.
- The researchers isolated a beneficial bacterial strain named YB06 from the plant's rhizosphere, which was found to promote plant growth and potentially function as a biofertilizer.
- Whole-genome sequencing of YB06 revealed genes linked to plant growth promotion and resistance, and its application improved seed germination and positively influenced the soil bacterial community's structure and diversity, supporting sustainable farming methods.