Monthly Archive 25/10/2024

When it comes to anesthesia, many individuals who’ve experienced it might describe the process as “taking a nap and waking up after the surgery.” This aspect of surgery, often considered relatively “invisible,” has kept anesthesiologists shrouded in a veil of mystery.

October 16 marks World Anesthesia Day, and we had the opportunity to interview Dr. Sun Yang, an anesthesiologist at Peking Union Medical College Hospital and a member of the Democratic National Construction Association of China. He shared some insights into the intricate stories behind the “sleep” experienced during surgery.

**A Customized “Painless” Approach**

In modern surgery, anesthesia is not merely about putting patients to sleep; it is a complex and critical process that creates optimal conditions for surgeons.

Dr. Sun explained that anesthesia methods are generally divided into general and local anesthesia. Local anesthesia includes techniques like epidural anesthesia and regional blocks. The selection of each type is tailored by anesthesiologists to meet the specific circumstances of each patient and the requirements of their procedure.

General anesthesia, as most people understand it, equates to “being asleep,” or in medical terms, “loss of consciousness.” Local anesthesia, on the other hand, involves injecting anesthetics in specific areas—such as administering an epidural block during labor to effectively ease pain without affecting labor progression. Regional anesthesia utilizes ultrasound guidance to precisely inject anesthetics around nerves, achieving the desired localized numbness.

However, determining the best method of anesthesia is not a one-size-fits-all answer. “We need to consider the patient’s health status, the type of surgery, and the potential risks and benefits to determine the most suitable anesthetic plan,” Dr. Sun stated. For patients with severe cardiovascular or pulmonary conditions, anesthesiologists often prioritize methods that have the least physiological impact to ensure quicker recovery and minimize surgical risks.

Importantly, anesthesiologists also assume the role of “safety guardians” during the procedure. “The surgeons address the medical issues, while anesthesiologists are responsible for maintaining the patient’s vital signs,” Dr. Sun explained. Parameters like breathing, blood pressure, heart rate, and even body temperature are monitored and adjusted continuously by anesthesiologists.

**Distinguishing Between “Intraoperative Awareness” and “Necessary Consciousness”**

As the role of anesthesiologists gains visibility, numerous misconceptions about anesthesia have surfaced.

“Some patients worry that they might suddenly wake up during the surgery and feel pain or see the surgical environment,” Dr. Sun clarified. In reality, the likelihood of intraoperative awareness is extremely low, particularly with current monitoring technologies that enable anesthesiologists to continuously assess a patient’s consciousness level, ensuring they remain unconscious during general anesthesia.

That said, certain specialized surgeries do necessitate patient alertness. For instance, during specific brain surgeries, doctors may require patients to perform certain actions or respond verbally to ensure critical nerve structures aren’t inadvertently harmed. In these cases, the ability to awaken the patient is not an issue but rather a pivotal component of surgical success.

To alleviate fear and anxiety in patients who remain conscious due to local anesthesia, anesthesiologists typically administer appropriate sedatives to keep patients calm and comfortable. “This is a reflection of compassionate anesthesia,” Dr. Sun noted.

**Preoperative Preparation and Postoperative Recovery**

Preoperative preparations are crucial for safe anesthesia. Patients are usually required to fast prior to surgery, not only to avoid vomiting during the procedure but also to prevent the aspiration of gastric contents into the trachea, which can be dangerous. Dr. Sun emphasized, “Aspiration of stomach contents into the lungs can lead to aspiration pneumonia, with potentially severe consequences.”

In addition, “removing makeup” before surgery is equally important. Products like nail polish and lipstick can interfere with the medical team’s assessment of the patient’s physical condition, as changes in nail color can affect the monitoring of blood oxygen saturation.

After anesthesia, patients may experience symptoms like nausea and pain. Dr. Sun explained that nausea is not solely a direct result of anesthetic drugs; it is also related to the nature of the surgery, other medications used, and the patient’s individual constitution. “For instance, patients may experience temporary gastrointestinal dysregulation and nausea after gastrointestinal surgery.”

To manage postoperative pain, modern medicine offers various pain relief methods, from traditional oral medications to nerve blocks and postoperative pain pumps. Doctors can select the most appropriate pain management plan based on each patient’s specific situation to alleviate discomfort.

“Some patients worry about the effects of anesthetic drugs on the brain and memory,” Dr. Sun reassured. “Current anesthetic techniques and medications have a temporary and reversible impact on the body; the metabolic rate of anesthetic drugs within the body is rapid, so there’s no need for such concerns.”

In recent years, the field of anesthesiology has made significant advances. Dr. Sun noted that with the development of anesthetic drugs, techniques, and the efforts of specialized professionals, the safety and comfort of surgical procedures have greatly improved.

Recent reports from U.S. media indicate that the U.S. Department of Commerce is investigating whether TSMC is in violation of regulations by selling AI chips to Huawei. According to the technology news site The Information, two sources familiar with the matter have revealed that the Department of Commerce is looking into whether TSMC has been producing artificial intelligence (AI) or smartphone chips for Huawei, which would contravene U.S. export rules.

The sources noted that the Department reached out to TSMC in recent weeks to inquire if the company has been involved in manufacturing smartphone or AI chips for Huawei.

One avenue of investigation for the Department includes the possibility that Huawei may have been using different company names to place orders, thereby indirectly purchasing chips from TSMC via intermediary firms.

This has led the Department of Commerce to question whether TSMC conducted adequate Know Your Customer (KYC) due diligence when accepting orders.

The Information added that if the Department of Commerce determines that TSMC’s dealings with Huawei violate U.S. export regulations, the agency could impose fines or more severe penalties, such as temporarily restricting TSMC’s access to U.S. technology.

Sources indicated that this investigation into TSMC is still in its early stages, and it remains unclear how long it will take for the Department of Commerce to gather information and reach a conclusion.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Commerce declined to comment, and Huawei has not issued a statement. TSMC has stated that it is committed to complying with all applicable rules and regulations, including export controls, and that it will take action to ensure compliance should any potential issues arise.

In a peculiar incident, a koala found itself wandering onto a train platform in Sydney, Australia, early in the morning. Footage released by Transport for New South Wales shows the koala exploring the platform at the Casula station, which is about 34 kilometers southwest of Sydney’s central business district. As the furry creature edged near the platform’s edge, concerned police officers attempted to safely capture it, causing quite a surprise for commuters.

According to a report from Reuters, the koala was seen checking out the elevator before finally making its way down the stairs. These solitary marsupials are among Australia’s most beloved animals and are classified as a vulnerable species in New South Wales. Given the risky proximity of the koala to the platform’s edge, nearby trains were ordered to slow down in accordance with safety protocols.

The Guardian reported that police arrived on the scene around 4:30 a.m. They successfully ushered the koala away from the tracks and helped it through the station’s barriers, guiding it back into the nearby trees.

In a lighthearted public statement, Transport for New South Wales reminded all passengers: “No matter the size, please stay behind the yellow line on the platform.”

In an exclusive interview, we had the pleasure of speaking with Zhang Peixin, a Malaysian of Chinese descent who has made a remarkable impact in Ningxia, China. Her journey began in 2015 when she, alongside her company’s founder, Lin Xiaoren, attended the second China-Arab States Expo in Ningxia as part of a food industry delegation from Malaysia. What was initially an exploratory visit turned into a long-term partnership, solidifying Zhang’s connection with Ningxia.

As we discussed the challenges and opportunities of her work, Zhang highlighted the unique context of Ningxia. Located in northwest China and nourished by the Yellow River, Ningxia is often referred to as “The South of the Frontier.” Despite its natural beauty, the region grapples with significant agricultural issues, particularly soil salinization, affecting nearly 2.5 million acres of arable land. For local farmers, improving salinized land has been a major concern.

However, standing at the base of Helan Mountain, Zhang and Lin discovered potential in what appeared to be barren, salt-covered land. “Our company focuses on the production of spirulina and its value-added products,” Zhang explained. “Spirulina thrives in high temperatures and saline-alkaline environments, which makes Ningxia’s soil ideal for its growth. We also found that the conditions here are perfect for cultivating lion’s mane mushrooms.”

After returning to Malaysia, Lin quickly began preparations to establish a factory in Ningxia. By the end of that year, they invested 400 million RMB to create a new company in Shizuishan, Ningxia, with Zhang appointed as chairwoman. This marked the beginning of her “dream journey” in the western region of China.

Spirulina is known for its high protein content and essential nutrients, making it valuable not just for consumption but also for medical research, feed additives, bioenergy, and environmental protection. Zhang emphasized that finding a suitable location for spirulina cultivation was a crucial step in their development. Upon arrival in Ningxia, she leased over 1,000 acres of saline-alkaline land in Daban District, establishing more than 250 smart climate-controlled greenhouses for spirulina cultivation.

“In this area, we have successfully implemented large-scale artificial farming of spirulina, transforming previously overlooked saline-alkaline soil into fertile grounds for growth,” Zhang said. Today, the flourishing spirulina fields provide jobs for over 300 local villagers, significantly contributing to their income.

As they experienced a successful harvest, the company developed a production facility spanning 6,800 square meters, launching multiple value-added products including spirulina tablets, instant noodles, and lion’s mane mushroom coffee. Their products, initially focused on the Malaysian market, are now exported to 25 countries and regions, including Australia, Bolivia, Hungary, and the Philippines.

Zhang shared her enthusiasm about their expansion. “In Ningxia, we’ve not only tapped into the foreign trade market as part of the Belt and Road Initiative, but we’ve also adapted to the global market, confirming that our investment choice in Ningxia was correct,” she noted. Their business model integrates research and development, cultivation, production, and sales into a cohesive supply chain. Over her nine years in Ningxia, she has experienced a high level of operational efficiency and a supportive local community.

“Here in China, many processes require just one visit to complete, streamlining bureaucratic procedures. For expatriates, work visas have transitioned from annual to tri-annual,” she said. “Living and working in Ningxia has been very comfortable for me. I’ve also developed a fondness for northwest Chinese cuisine and have become a loyal fan of lamb and liangpi.”

Since her initial venture into spirulina cultivation, Zhang has continually been surprised by what Ningxia has to offer. In recent years, she has explored opportunities for integrating Ningxia’s特色农产品 (specialty agricultural products) into her company’s offerings. “Ningxia has vast areas suitable for corn and rice cultivation, which are essential for producing mushroom mycelium. The local goji berries are renowned and can be sourced locally for global distribution. Additionally, Ningxia’s apples are sweet and unique, providing potential for innovative products like apple enzyme drinks and apple-flavored sparkling beverages.”

Many of Zhang’s ideas have materialized into reality; this past May, her company introduced products such as lion’s mane mushroom black coffee and apple sparkling water to the Peruvian market, expanding Ningxia’s international presence.

Moreover, Zhang has opened a product display and experience center in Longquan Village, known as “The First Village Under Helan Mountain.” This center aims to attract tourists and promote the enduring friendships between China and Malaysia.

“I plan to stay in Ningxia, and our company is committed to increasing our investment in China. We wish to leverage China’s role in the Belt and Road Initiative to export our products to even more countries,” Zhang concluded, radiating optimism for the future.

On October 12, China News reported on a groundbreaking study published in the prestigious scientific journal Nature, revealing new insights into aging research. The study indicates that while dietary restriction—essentially controlling food intake—can extend the lifespan of mice, its various impacts on health may not align directly with longevity.

The findings stem from research conducted on nearly 1,000 genetically diverse mice, shedding light on the intricate relationship between dietary restriction and lifespan. This study suggests that genetic factors may play a more significant role in determining lifespan than dietary interventions alone.

According to the paper, dietary restriction includes methods such as caloric restriction and intermittent fasting, both of which show tremendous potential in enhancing human health and longevity. However, there is still limited understanding regarding the effectiveness and safety of different dietary restriction approaches.

To address this, Gary A. Churchill, a co-author of the study from the Jackson Laboratory, along with his colleagues, utilized 960 genetically diverse female mice to explore how caloric restriction and intermittent fasting impact health and lifespan. These mice represent a range of physiological traits that may be applicable across different species. They were randomly assigned one of five diets: ad libitum feeding (unrestricted access to food), one day of fasting per week, two consecutive fasting days per week, and caloric restrictions of either 20% or 40% of their baseline food intake.

The study found that all forms of dietary restriction extended the mice’s lifespan, with a proportional effect based on the level of restriction. Notably, only caloric restriction significantly slowed the aging process; the degree of lifespan extension remained consistent regardless of the mice’s body weight. Interestingly, the lifespan extension effects of intermittent fasting did not apply to mice that were heavier prior to intervention.

Among the dietary groups, one of the strongest predictors of lifespan was the ability to maintain body weight under experimental stress. While dietary restriction was found to improve metabolic traits—such as fasting blood glucose—this improvement did not directly correlate with longevity. Ultimately, though dietary restrictions produced multiple effects, the study concluded that genetic background has a more substantial impact on lifespan than dietary interventions.

Accompanying the study, a commentary from peer experts published in Nature emphasizes that, for mice, the metabolic benefits of dietary restriction do not necessarily translate into increased lifespan. Further research is essential to determine whether intermittent fasting and caloric restriction can similarly extend human lifespan.

During a recent interview with MarketWatch, Priscilla Almodovar, the president of Fannie Mae, a semi-official housing finance agency, highlighted a concerning trend in the real estate market. “Right now, the housing market is incredibly out of reach for consumers. We are monitoring all trends, and this is an unprecedented situation,” she stated.

At 57 years old, Almodovar brings two decades of experience in real estate policy to the table, having recently been named one of MarketWatch’s “50 Most Influential People in the Market.” A native of Brooklyn, she managed the New York State Housing Finance Agency during the financial crisis triggered by the subprime mortgage crisis in 2007. The current housing situation is starkly different, with demand for home purchases far outstripping supply. Even with mortgage rates remaining high, skyrocketing home insurance costs, and continually rising home prices, people are still eager to buy.

Almodovar emphasized, “Home prices are at their highest point in 20 years.”

She also expressed skepticism about a return to pre-pandemic mortgage rates, which hovered around 3%. “We might never see those rates again in our lifetime,” she warned.

The report indicates that even when consumers can afford to buy, their options in the market are limited. Existing homeowners often hesitate to sell, fearing higher interest costs associated with new mortgages—an effect termed the “lock-in effect”—which significantly impacts the real estate landscape. A March report from the Federal Housing Finance Agency revealed a staggering 57% decrease in home sales in the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022.

Almodovar asserted that reducing home-buying costs requires collaboration among federal, state, and local government officials. Regarding solutions for the housing market, she pointed out a consensus among experts on the need to focus on supply, which includes constructing new homes while retaining existing ones.

She also noted that many issues hindering increased housing supply are within local government control. For instance, challenges such as zoning laws and the “not-in-my-backyard” (NIMBY) movement must be addressed at the local level.

With high interest rates and elevated home prices stalling transactions, Fannie Mae’s economists predict that only about 4 million existing homes will be sold in the U.S. in 2024, marking the lowest number since 1995.

On the morning of October 16, 2024, Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China, President of China, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, visited the Xiamen area of the China (Fujian) Pilot Free Trade Zone.

During his visit, Xi emphasized the importance of deepening the reform and opening up efforts in the current landscape, noting that the expectations are now higher than ever, both in depth and breadth. He urged Fujian and Xiamen to adapt to the evolving situation, steadily promote institutional openings, align with international high standards, and produce more institutional and policy outcomes to further enhance high-level foreign investment.

In the afternoon of the same day, Xi was briefed on the work of Fujian’s provincial party committee and government. He set out clear guidelines for future actions: to implement the free trade zone upgrade strategy comprehensively, proactively engage with major regional strategies, and deeply integrate into the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative to create a core area for the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, thus consolidating the significant role of domestic and international dual circulation.

The Xiamen area of the China (Fujian) Free Trade Zone was officially inaugurated on April 21, 2015. Since its establishment, Xiamen has seized opportunities and actively explored new paths for opening up to the outside world, using openness to drive reform, development, and innovation.

The images captured on October 16, 2024, showcase the comprehensive service hall of the China (Fujian) Pilot Free Trade Zone in Xiamen and various construction achievements within the area. The region has proven to be a vital hub for both domestic and international trade, fully leveraging its port facilities.

The establishment of free trade pilot zones has been a strategic move by the central government to advance reform and opening up in the new era. The first free trade pilot zone in China was launched in Shanghai on September 29, 2013. Over the past decade, a total of 22 free trade zones have been set up, creating an innovative development pattern across the country.

As Xi has remarked, free trade zones serve as “test fields” for reform, where successful practices and innovations can be cultivated and later disseminated throughout the nation. Since their inception, many institutional innovations from these zones have been adopted nationally, playing a crucial role in advancing China’s economic reform agenda.

As a new high ground for China’s opening up and a crucial driver for high-quality development, free trade zones are vital in fostering global economic integration. In the first half of 2024, the total actual foreign investment in the 22 free trade zones reached 103.96 billion yuan, with total import and export volume hitting 4.1 trillion yuan. Even with only 0.4% of the country’s land area, these zones accounted for over 20.8% of foreign investment and 19.5% of trade, underlining their significance in China’s economic landscape.

The system established in these free trade areas will continue to benefit not just China but the global community by contributing to the establishment of an open world economy.

The reporting team included Ju Peng, Lu Ye, Lin Shanchuan, Jiang Kehong, Yang Guanyu, Cao Yiming, Fang Zhe, Xie Jianfei, Zhang Tao, Ding Lei, Wang Kai, and Wang Xiang, with production by Bi Xiaoyang, Lu Ye, Lin Shanchuan, Jiang Kehong, Xu Rui, and Zhang Haobo from Xinhua News Agency.

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