Evolution of microstructure, strain and physical properties in oxide nanocomposite films

We, using LSMO:ZnO nanocomposite films as a model system, have studied the effect of film thickness on the physical properties of nanocomposites. It shows that strain, microstructure, as well as magnetoresistance strongly rely on film thickness. The magnetotransport properties have been fitted by a modified parallel connection channel model, which is in agreement with the microstructure evolution as a function of film thickness in nanocomposite films on sapphire substrates. The strain analysis indicates that the variation of physical properties in nanocomposite films on LAO is dominated by strain effect. These results confirm the critical role of film thickness on microstructures, strain states, and functionalities. It further shows that one can use film thickness as a key parameter to design nanocomposites with optimum functionalities

Chinese Expert Consensus on the Combination of Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy with Locoregional Therapy for Intermediate/Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major cause of cancer-related mortality; it ranks as the second most common cause of cancer deaths in China. Most HCC patients are first diagnosed at an advanced stage. In recent years, targeted therapy combined with immunotherapy has become the preferred regimen for systemic treatment of intermediate-advanced HCC, while targeted therapy combined with immunotherapy plus local treatment could further improve the efficacy in many clinical studies. To better guide the clinical treatment for effective and safe combination therapy, our interdisciplinary panel on the treatment of intermediate-advanced HCC comprising hepatologists, hepatobiliary surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, interventional radiologists, and traditional Chinese medicine physicians have formulated this consensus based on current clinical studies and clinical medication experience for reference. The consensus contained 15 recommendations, including the applicable population and management, local treatment selection, conversion strategy, treatment strategy after tumor progression and management of common adverse reactions

Prevalence, associated factors and outcomes of pressure injuries in adult intensive care unit patients: the DecubICUs study

Funder: European Society of Intensive Care Medicine; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100013347Funder: Flemish Society for Critical Care NursesAbstract: Purpose: Intensive care unit (ICU) patients are particularly susceptible to developing pressure injuries. Epidemiologic data is however unavailable. We aimed to provide an international picture of the extent of pressure injuries and factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries in adult ICU patients. Methods: International 1-day point-prevalence study; follow-up for outcome assessment until hospital discharge (maximum 12 weeks). Factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injury and hospital mortality were assessed by generalised linear mixed-effects regression analysis. Results: Data from 13,254 patients in 1117 ICUs (90 countries) revealed 6747 pressure injuries; 3997 (59.2%) were ICU-acquired. Overall prevalence was 26.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 25.9–27.3). ICU-acquired prevalence was 16.2% (95% CI 15.6–16.8). Sacrum (37%) and heels (19.5%) were most affected. Factors independently associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries were older age, male sex, being underweight, emergency surgery, higher Simplified Acute Physiology Score II, Braden score 3 days, comorbidities (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, immunodeficiency), organ support (renal replacement, mechanical ventilation on ICU admission), and being in a low or lower-middle income-economy. Gradually increasing associations with mortality were identified for increasing severity of pressure injury: stage I (odds ratio [OR] 1.5; 95% CI 1.2–1.8), stage II (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.4–1.9), and stage III or worse (OR 2.8; 95% CI 2.3–3.3). Conclusion: Pressure injuries are common in adult ICU patients. ICU-acquired pressure injuries are associated with mainly intrinsic factors and mortality. Optimal care standards, increased awareness, appropriate resource allocation, and further research into optimal prevention are pivotal to tackle this important patient safety threat

Correction to: Prevalence, associated factors and outcomes of pressure injuries in adult intensive care unit patients: the DecubICUs study

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake

Spatial–Temporal Patterns and the Driving Mechanism for the Gross Ecosystem Product of Wetlands in the Middle Reaches of the Yellow River

Wetlands are crucial for sustainable development, and the evaluation of their GEP is a key focus for governments and scientists. This study created a dynamic accounting model for wetland GEP and assessed the GEP of 39 wetlands in the middle reaches of the Yellow River in Ningxia province. The results indicate that Ningxia province’s wetlands have an average annual GEP of CNY 5.24 billion. Haba wetland contributes the most at 0.52, while Qingtongxia, Sha, and Tenggeli wetlands follow with 0.12, 0.04, and 0.03, respectively. Climate regulation is the most valuable function at 38.24%, with species conservation and scientific research/tourism at 24.93% and 15.11%, respectively. Ningxia’s northern wetlands are vast and shaped by the Yellow River, while the smaller, seasonal southern wetlands are more affected by rainfall and mountain groundwater. Southern wetlands show a strong correlation between GEP and precipitation (0.82), whereas northern wetlands have a moderate correlation between GEP and evapotranspiration (0.52). The effective conservation and management of these wetlands require consideration of their locations and weather patterns, along with customized strategies. To maintain the stability of wetland habitats and provide a suitable environment for various species, it is essential to preserve wetlands within a certain size range. Our study found a strong correlation of 0.85 between the wetland area and the GEP value, indicating that the size of wetlands is a key factor in conserving their GEP. The results provide accurate insights for creating a wetland ecological benefit compensation mechanism