Boosting bulk photovoltaic effect in transition metal dichalcogenide by edge semimetal contact.

Oxide materials with a non-centrosymmetric structure exhibit bulk photovoltaic effect (BPVE) but with a low cell efficiency. Over the past few years, relatively larger BPVE coefficients have been reported for two-dimensional (2D) layers and stacks with asymmety-induced spontaneous polarization. Here, we report a crucial breakthrough in boosting the BPVE in 3R-MoS by adopting edge contact (EC) geometry using bismuth semimetal electrode.

Low serum S100A6 levels are associated RP-ILD risk in anti-MDA5-positive dermatomyositis.

Introduction: Anti-MDA5-positive dermatomyositis (anti-MDA5-DM) is a rare autoimmune disease that often leads to rapid-progressive interstitial lung disease (RP-ILD). The lack of effective prediction and treatment methods makes RP-ILD a major risk factor for death in patients with this condition. S100A6 is a member of the S100 Ca2 + - binding protein family, which plays important roles in inflammation, tumor, injury, and fibroblast reparation.

Sex modifies association between dietary sodium intake and cardiovascular disease mortality among US adult with hypertension: a national population-based cohort.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between dietary sodium intake and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in hypertensive American adults.

Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted to examine the association between dietary sodium intake, as estimated by a single 24-h dietary recall from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2003-2012), and mortality data obtained from the National Death Index.

Results: This study included 12,236 adults with hypertension, with 837 CVD-related deaths identified over a median follow-up period of 10.

Occupational exposure to traditional and emerging organophosphate esters: A comparison of levels across different sources and blood distribution.

Currently, there is limited knowledge regarding occupational exposure of traditional and emerging organophosphate esters (OPEs) from e-waste and automobile dismantling activities, and their distribution within the human blood. In the present study, we collected dust and urine samples from e-waste (ED) (n = 91 and 130, respectively) and automobile dismantling (AD) plants (n = 93 and 94, respectively), as well as serum-plasma-whole blood samples (sets from 128 participants) within ED areas for analyzing traditional and emerging organophosphate tri-esters (tri-OPEs) and organophosphate di-esters (di-OPEs). Median concentration of ∑tri-OPEs and ∑di-OPEs in dust (37,400 and 9,000 ng/g in ED, and 27,000 and 14,700 ng/g in AD areas, respectively) and urine samples (11.

Type 1 Diabetes and Cataracts: Investigating Mediating Effects of Serum Metabolites Using Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization.

Purpose: To investigate the causal relationship between type 1 diabetes (T1D) and cataracts and to explore the mediating role of serum metabolites.

Methods: This study employed bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) using genetic variants as instrumental variables to infer causality in both directions: from T1D to cataracts and cataracts to T1D. Genetic data for T1D, its complications, and cataracts were sourced from independent genome-wide association study (GWAS) datasets.

Trans-Placental Transfer Mechanisms of Aromatic Amine Antioxidants (AAs) and -Phenylenediamine Quinones (PPD-Qs): Evidence from Human Gestation Exposure and the Rat Uterine Perfusion Model.

Aromatic amine antioxidants (AAs), as rubber additives, and their ozone photochemical oxidation products of -phenylenediamine quinone (PPD-Qs) have attracted great attention recently due to their wide environmental occurrences and toxicity. However, there is currently no research on the exposure risks during pregnancy and their trans-placental transfer mechanisms. Herein, 20 AAs and six PPD-Qs were analyzed in 60 maternal urine and fifty-six amniotic fluid samples ( = 53 pairs).

Source and bioavailability of quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) in dust: Implications for Nationwide Exposure in China.

Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), widely used in various disinfectants products during the COVID-19 Pandemic, raised the concerns on their exposure and health effect. To date, the sources of QACs in indoor environments have been largely ignored. Additionally, there is no information on the nationwide human exposure assessment of QACs in China after the COVID-19.

Unraveling the contribution of melamine tableware for human internal exposure to melamine and its derivatives: Insights from crossover and biomonitoring studies.

Melamine tableware can release melamine in daily-use; however, currently there is insufficient evidence to support whether the amount released could pose human exposure risk. We therefore conducted two studies, one is 8-day randomized crossover trial involving 27 volunteers who used melamine and stainless-steel tableware in turn (n = 648) and the other is cross-sectional study including 113 college students and 200 residents (n = 313) to further provide population-based evidence. The crossover study results showed that using melamine tableware could promote urinary concentrations of melamine, cyanuric acid (CYA), and ammelide by 42.

Effectiveness of integrated management on hypertension and mortality in rural China: A CHHRS study.

A study was conducted to investigate whether an integrated management (IM) model led by public healthcare providers is effective in reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD)-specific and all-cause mortality rates in low-income rural populations with hypertension. The study recruited 14,234 patients with hypertension aged 18 years or older and allocated them to either an IM group or a usual care (UC) group. During a median follow-up of 48.

Toward an Ideal Light Source for Indoor Photosynthesis: Broadband Red Emission in Zero-Dimensional Hafnium-Based Metal Halide (TPP)HfCl·4CHN:Sb.

With suitable electron-phonon coupling strength, a near-unity broadband photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) can be achieved in organic-inorganic hybrid metal halides (OIHMHs) via self-trapped exciton (STE) emission. However, it is still challenging to obtain high-quality red emission from OIHMHs with a desirable emission wavelength and high chemical stability, which hinders their practical application in high-performance displays, plant-growth lighting, and biomedical imaging. Herein, a series of hafnium-based zero-dimensional (TPP)HfCl·4CHN (TPP: tetraphenylphosphonium) single crystals with different Sb doping levels are synthesized.

Association between the oxidative balance score and estimated pulse wave velocity from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2005-2018).

Background: No research report has been conducted to investigate the impact of oxidation balance score (OBS) on the estimated pulse wave velocity(ePWV).We aimed to examine the association between OBS and ePWV.

Method: We evaluated data for 13,073 patients from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

U shape association between triglyceride glucose index and congestive heart failure in patients with diabetes and prediabetes.

Background: While previous population studies have shown that higher triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index values are associated with an increased risk of congestive heart failure (CHF), the relationship between TyG and CHF in patients with abnormal glucose metabolism remains understudied. This study aimed to evaluate the association between TyG and CHF in individuals with diabetes and prediabetes.

Methods: The study population was derived from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning from 1999 to 2018.

Novel pH- and thermal-responsive oleogel capsules: Featuring an oleogel core and ultrathin calcium-alginate shell.

Oleogels have been explored as a new lipid-based delivery system, however, their insolubility and unsuitable shape severely limit their application in food systems. Herein, core-shell oleogel capsules with high monodispersity (coefficient variation (CV) < 5%)) were prepared via gravity-assisted co-flowing microfluidic device and simply air-drying. The oleogel capsules with oleogel core and ultrathin calcium-alginate shell were prepared.

Estimated pulse wave velocity as a predictor of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients with hypertension in China: a prospective cohort study.

Background: Whether the estimated pulse wave velocity (ePWV) in Chinese patients with hypertension can serve as an independent predictor of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality remains unknown. Therefore, this study investigated the associations between ePWV and cardiovascular and all-cause mortalities and explored potential effect modifiers influencing these relationships. Finally, we compared the ePWV with the brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) to determine which parameter better predicts mortality.

Comparison of B-Scan ultrasonography, ultra-widefield fundus imaging, and indirect ophthalmoscopy in detecting retinal breaks in cataractous eyes.

Background/objectives: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of B-scan kinetic ultrasonography (USG), standard ultra-widefield (UWF) imaging, and indirect ophthalmoscopy (IDO) in retinal break detection in cataractous eyes.

Subjects/methods: We consecutively enrolled 126 cataract patients (including 246 eyes) with no comorbidities that could decrease best corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Three index tests (USG, nonmydriatic UWF, and mydriatic IDO) were performed preoperatively to screen for retinal breaks.

Elevated serum B-cell activator factor levels predict rapid progressive interstitial lung disease in anti-melanoma differentiation associated protein 5 antibody positive dermatomyositis.

Background: Rapid progressive interstitial lung disease (RP-ILD) is the leading cause of anti-melanoma differentiation associated protein 5 antibody positive dermatomyositis (anti-MDA5DM) related death. Elevated serum B-cell activating factor (BAFF) levels have been implicated in connective tissue diseases associated ILD. Here, we evaluate whether BAFF could be a prognostic biomarker for predicting RP-ILD in anti-MDA5DM patients.

Two-Step Perovskite Solar Cells with > 25% Efficiency: Unveiling the Hidden Bottom Surface of Perovskite Layer.

While significant efforts in surface engineering have been devoted to the conversion process of lead iodide (PbI) into perovskite and top surface engineering of perovskite layer with remarkable progress, the exploration of residual PbI clusters and the hidden bottom surface on perovskite layer have been limited. In this work, a new strategy involving 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate (BMIMAc) ionic liquid (IL) additives is developed and it is found that both the cations and the anions in ILs can interact with the perovskite components, thereby regulating the crystallization process and diminishing the residue PbI clusters as well as filling vacancies. The introduction of BMIMAc ILs induces the formation of a uniform porous PbI film, facilitating better penetration of the second-step organic salt and fostering a more extensive interaction between PbI and the organic salt.

Associations of total homocysteine and kidney function with all-cause and cause-specific mortality in hypertensive patients: a mediation and joint analysis.

Plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) and kidney function are both associated with mortality risk, but the degree to which kidney function modifies the impact of tHcy on mortality remains unknown. This prospective cohort study included a total of 14,225 hypertensive adults. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to analyze the separate and combined association of tHcy and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) with all-cause and cause-specific mortality.

Deciphering the binding behavior and interaction mechanism of apigenin and α-glucosidase based on multi-spectroscopic and molecular simulation studies.

This study investigated the molecular mechanism underlying the binding interaction between apigenin (API) and α-glucosidase (α-glu) by a combination of experimental techniques and computational simulation strategies. The spontaneously formation of stable API-α-glu complex was mainly driven by hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic forces, leading to a static fluorescence quenching of α-glu. The binding of API induced secondary structure and conformation changes of α-glu, decreasing the surface hydrophobicity of protein.

Triglyceride-glucose index change and chronic kidney disease progression in a Chinese hypertensive population.

Background: The impact of triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index variations on chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression remains unexplored. To investigate the effects of the TyG index and its dynamic changes on CKD progression.

Method: This prospective cohort study included data from 8,418 hypertensive participants.

Association of plasma homocysteine with peripheral arterial disease in the hypertensive adults: A cross-sectional study.

Increased plasma homocysteine (Hcy) has been identified as one of the important risk factors for cardiovascular disease. However, the association between plasma Hcy and peripheral artery disease (PAD) is still controversial. This study aimed to investigate the association between plasma Hcy and PAD and the potential modifier factors in Chinese hypertensive adults.

Dietary carotenoids intake and sex differences in relation to chronic kidney disease a cross-sectional assessment in the NHANES study.

Background And Aims: Current evidence on the relationship between dietary carotenoids intake (DCI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are limited. Moreover, whether there is an association between DCI and prevalence of CKD and how this association might be impacted by sex is not clear.

Methods And Results: Overall, 4507 women and 4396 men were included for analysis.