Tungsten sulfide highly boosted Fe(III)/peroxymonosulfate system for rapid degradation of cyclohexanecarboxylic acid: Performance, mechanisms, and applications.

In this study, the Fe(III)/WS2/peroxymonosulfate (PMS) system was found to remove up to 97% of cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (CHA) within 10 min. CHA is a model compound for naphthenic acids (NAs), which are prevalent in petroleum industrial wastewater. The addition of WS2 effectively activated the Fe(III)/PMS system, significantly enhancing its ability to produce reactive oxidative species (ROS) for the oxidation of CHA. Further experimental results and characterization analyses demonstrated that the metallic element W(IV) in WS2 could provide electrons for the direct reduction of Fe(III) to Fe(II), thus rapidly activating PMS and initiating a chain redox process to produce ROS (SO4•-, •OH, and 1O2). Repeated tests and practical exploratory experiments indicated that WS2 exhibited excellent catalytic performance, reusability and anti-interference capacity, achieving efficient degradation of commercial NAs mixtures. Therefore, applying WS2 to catalyze the Fe(III)/PMS system can overcome speed limitations and facilitate simple, economical engineering applications.

Analysis of environmental pollutants using ion chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry: A review.

The rise of emerging pollutants in the current environment and requirements of trace analysis in complex substrates pose challenges to modern analytical techniques. Ion chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (IC-MS) is the preferred tool for analyzing emerging pollutants due to its excellent separation ability for polar and ionic compounds with small molecular weight and high detection sensitivity and selectivity. This paper reviews the progress of sample preparation and ion-exchange IC-MS methods in the analysis of several major categories of environmental polar and ionic pollutants including perchlorate, inorganic and organic phosphorus compounds, metalloids and heavy metals, polar pesticides, and disinfection by-products in past two decades. The comparison of various methods to reduce the influence of matrix effect and improve the accuracy and sensitivity of analysis are emphasized throughout the process from sample preparation to instrumental analysis. Furthermore, the human health risks of these pollutants in the environment with natural concentration levels in different environmental medias are also briefly discussed to raise public attention. Finally, the future challenges of IC-MS for analysis of environmental pollutants are briefly discussed.

Mangrove degradation retarded microplastics weathering and affected metabolic activities of microplastics-associated microbes.

Currently, information on microplastics (MPs) weathering characteristics and ecological functions driven by MPs-associated microbes in mangrove ecosystems remains unclear, especially in the degraded areas. Herein, we compared the weathering characteristics of MPs in both undegraded and degraded mangrove sediments, and then explored the potential interactions between their weathering characteristics and microbially-driven functions. After 70 days of incubation, different MPs (including polyethylene PE, polystyrene PS, and polylactic acid PLA) were strongly weathered in mangrove sediments, with significant erosion features. Interestingly, more obvious weathering characteristics were found for MPs in the undegraded mangrove sediments. O/C ratio value of MPs in the undegraded sediments was 2.3-3.0 times greater than that in the degraded ones. Besides, mangrove degradation reduced network complexity among MPs-associated microorganisms and affected their metabolic activities. Bacteria involved in carbon cycle process enriched on nondegradable MPs, whereas abundant bacteria responsible for sulphur cycle were observed on PLA-MPs. Moreover, these relevant bacteria were more abundant on MPs in the undegraded mangrove sediments. Mangrove degradation could directly and indirectly affect MPs weathering process and microbially-driven functions through regulating sediment properties and MPs-associated microbes. During weathering, contact angle and roughness of MPs were key factors influencing the colonisation of hydrocarbon degradation bacteria on MPs.

Median effective dose of 0.2% ropivacaine for ultrasound-guided median nerve block in young children.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the median effective dose (ED50) and the 95% effective dose (ED95) of 0.2% ropivacaine for ultrasound-guided lower forearm median nerve block in paediatric patients. METHODS: Eligible children were American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) status I-II scheduled to have elective open surgery for trigger thumb repair. Patients were stratified into two age groups: 1- to 3-year-olds and 3- to 6-year-olds. The ED50 was determined by Dixon's up-and-down method. The first patient received an ultrasound-guided median nerve block by injection of 2 mL of 0.2% ropivacaine. Each subsequent patient's dose was determined by the response of the previous patient, the doses being adjusted in intervals of 0.2 mL. In addition, the 95% effective dose (ED95) was obtained using a probit regression approach. The patients' general condition, postoperative pain scores, and adverse events were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 52 children who were scheduled to undergo open surgery for trigger thumb were included in this study: 28 in the 1- to 3-year-olds group and 24 in the 3- to 6-year-olds group. The ED50 (95% confidence interval) values were 0.9 (0.44-1.36) mL in 1- to 3-year-olds and 1.4 (1.14-1.66) mL in 3- to 6-year-olds. The ED95 (95% confidence interval) values were 1.5 (0.98-1.58) mL in 1- to 3-year-olds and 1.7 (1.54-1.78) mL in 3- to 6-year-olds. No adverse events occurred. CONCLUSIONS: A single dose of ropivacaine was an effective agent for young children requiring ultrasound-guided lower forearm median nerve block in open surgery for trigger thumb. The ED50 (95% confidence interval) values were 0.9 (0.44-1.36) mL in 1- to 3-year-olds and 1.4 (1.14-1.66) mL in 3- to 6-year-olds. The ED95 (95% confidence interval) values were 1.5 (0.98-1.58) mL in 1- to 3-year-olds and 1.7 (1.54-1.78) mL in 3- to 6-year-olds.

The 90% minimum effective volume and concentration of ropivacaine for ultrasound-guided median nerve block in children aged 1-3 years: A biased-coin design up-and-down sequential allocation trial.

BACKGROUND: Median nerve block can provide excellent analgesia during open surgery for trigger thumb in children. However, no data on the 90% minimum effective volume (MEV90) and concentration (MEC90) of ropivacaine for ultrasound-guided median nerve block in pediatric patients have been reported. DESIGN: A prospective two-phase study with an up-and-down sequential allocation trial using a biased coin design. PATIENTS: Children aged 1-3 years are experiencing open surgery for trigger thumb. INTERVENTION: This study has 2 parts, one for MEV90 and subsequently studied MEC90 from the former part of the study. The MEV90 and MEC90 of ropivacaine for each subsequent patient were determined by the response of the previous patient, with the biased coin design up-and-down sequential allocation trial. The interval of -volume or concentration was -0.1 ml or 0.01%, respectively. MEASUREMENTS: The MEV90 and MEC90 of ropivacaine for ultrasound-guided median nerve block in pediatric patients, were then used to estimate the 99% minimum effective volume (MEV99) and concentration (MEC99). The patient's general condition, postoperative pain, and adverse events. MAIN RESULTS: A total of one hundred and eighteen children were enrolled for the study, and 56 and 62 patients were enrolled for the MEV90 and MEC90 studies, respectively. The MEV90 of 0.2% ropivacaine was 1.44 ml (95% CI 1.043 ml, 1.466 ml), and the MEC90 of 1.5 ml ropivacaine was 0.195% (95% CI 0.159%, 0.197%). There were no adverse events that occurred. CONCLUSION: For ultrasound-guided median nerve block in children aged 1-3 years old with trigger finger undergoing open surgery, the MEV90 of 0.2% ropivacaine is 1.44 ml (95% CI 1.043 ml, 1.466 ml), and the MEC90 of 1.5 ml of ropivacaine is 0.195% (95% CI 0.159%, 0.197%).

Comparison of S100B and NSE between cardiac surgery and interventional therapy for children.

This study aimed to compare the release of S100B and NSE between cardiac surgery and interventional therapy for children and to investigate whether S100B serum concentration correlates with cardiopulmonary bypass in children. For this study, 40 children with congenital heart disease were selected and assigned to two groups: group A (20 children undergoing surgical therapy) and group B (20 children undergoing interventional therapy). In group A, blood samples were drawn 10 min after the induction of anesthesia, immediately after aortic cross-clamping, immediately at the end of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), immediately at the end of the operation, then 6 and 24 h after the operation. In group B, blood samples were drawn 10 min after the induction of anesthesia, immediately at the end of the procedure, then 6 and 24 h after the procedure. In group A, S100B plasma levels during the perioperative period and 6 h after the operation were higher than the preoperative level (p < 0.05). The NSE plasma concentrations at the termination of CPB and postoperatively were higher than the preoperative level (p < 0.05). Significant correlation was found between the peak value of S100B at the termination of CPB and the durations of both CPB and aortic cross-clamping. In group B, the differences in S100B and NSE between the post- and preoperative levels were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The perioperative cerebral impairment indirectly evaluated by the release of NSE and S100B protein is greater in children undergoing CPB than in children undergoing interventional therapy. The release of S100B had a strong correlation with the durations of CPB and aortic cross-clamping in children.

Effect of Process Parameters on Organic Micro Patterns Fabricated on a Flexible Substrate Using the Near-Field Electrohydrodynamic Direct-Writing Method.

A micro pattern is a key component of various functional devices. In the present study, using the poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) mixed material as the direct-writing solution and photographic paper as the flexible insulating substrate, the organic micro patterns of various shapes, such as the curve of the second-order self-similar structure, the helical curve, and the wave curve, were fabricated on the flexible insulating substrate by using the near-field electrohydrodynamic direct-writing method. The effects of process parameters, such as the applied voltage, direct-writing height, flow rate of the injection system, and moving velocity of the substrate, on the width and the conductivity of the organic micro patterns were studied in the near-field electrohydrodynamic direct-writing process. The results show that the width of an organic micro pattern increases with the increase of the applied voltage of the high-voltage power supplier and the flow rate of the injection system under the condition where the three other process parameters remained constant, respectively, while the width of an organic micro pattern decreases with the increase of the direct-writing height and the moving velocity of the flexible substrate, respectively. The fabricated organic microcircuit patterns of the natural drying in air at room temperature were tested by a thin film thermoelectric tester at a detection temperature. The results show that the conductivity of a fabricated organic micro pattern decreases with the increase of the electric field intensity, while the effect of moving velocity and the flow rate on the conductivity is small under the condition where the three other process parameters remained constant.

[Effects of Shenfu Injection on inflammatory cytokines during cardiopulmonarbypass in infants].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of Shenfu Injection (SF) on cytokines during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in infants. METHODS: Twenty-four infants with congenital heart disease, aged below three years, were randomly assigned to the control group and the SF group equally. In the SF group, 1 mL/kg of SF was given through center vein pump after center vein puncture being performed, while only normal saline was given instead in the control group. Blood sample was obtained for measurement of serum necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentration by ELISA, at various time points in the process, i.e. right after anesthesia induction (T1), beginning of CPB (T2), aortic off-clamping (T3), 20 min after CPB (T4), the end of CPB (T5), and 6 h (T6) and 24 h (T7) after CPB. RESULTS: The time for reverting to sinus heart rhythm and analepsia after CPB was shorter in the SF group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Serum concentration of TNF-a and IL-6 was equal in the two groups at T1; they increased significantly after CPB (P < 0.05), reached the peak value at T4 and reduced to the normal level at T7 in the control group. TNF-alpha concentration was significantly lower at T3, T4 and T5, and IL-6 concentration was lower at T4 in the SF group than that in the control group at corresponding time point (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: SF could shorten the time for reverting to sinus heart rhythm and analepsia after CPB in infants, and suppress the inflammatory response caused by CPB.

Cognitive function in congenital heart disease after cardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation.

BACKGROUND: Congenital heart disease (CHD) may cause deleterious effects on cognitive function in children. This study aimed to evaluate the changes of the cognitive and academic functioning in children aged less than 4 years with serious CHD following cardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation (ECC). METHODS: A total of 100 children, aged 0-4 years with cyanotic (35) and acyanotic (65) heart diseases who had undergone cardiac surgery with ECC, were subjected to neuropsychological and behavioral evaluation using the Gesell Developmental Schedule (GDS) before operation and at 1 week, and 1, 3 and 6 months after operation. RESULTS: The GDS scores in the first postoperative week were significantly lower than those before operation, but the scores increased gradually (P<0.01). ECC affected the GDS scores after operation, with the cyanotic children being more significantly affected than the acyanotic children. The GDS scores were negatively correlated with the age at each time point. The GDS scores were significantly lower in the cyanotic children than in the acyanotic children at 1 and 3 months postoperatively (P<0.01), but there was no significant difference at 6 months (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: After cardiac surgery with ECC, the younger the children who have cardiac surgery, the more significantly the GDS score increases. The ECC mainly affects the cognitive ability and academic performance in cyanotic children in one month postoperatively.