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OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the safety of ultrasound-guided thermal ablation (UGTA) for thyroid nodules (TNs) by analysing complications and related risks. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective, single-centre study reviewed patients who underwent UGTA (microwave or radiofrequency ablation) between January 2018 and March 2023. The incidence of complications was recorded and assessed during and immediately after ablation,1-3 h later, and at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors for hoarseness and haemorrhagic complications. RESULTS: We reviewed 9667 cases in this study. Overall, 4494 (46.49%) cases underwent microwave ablation, while 5173 (53.51%) cases underwent radiofrequency ablation. The overall complication rate was 4.43%. The incidence of major complications was 1.94% (haemorrhage, 1.32%; hoarseness, 0.54%; and symptomatic aseptic necrosis, 0.08%). The incidence of minor complications was 2.45%. A large nodule volume, radiofrequency ablation, hyper-enhancing nodules, benign nodules, higher preoperative blood pressure, hyperthyroidism, and higher ablation power were independent risk factors for haemorrhage. Dorsal nodules and a higher ablation power were independent risk factors for hoarseness. All complications were resolved. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that UGTA is a safe treatment for TNs. Several risk factors for haemorrhage and hoarseness should be considered before performing UGTA. Different ablation modalities should be considered for patients with different conditions. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Thermal ablation may be a safe treatment for eligible patients with TNs. KEY POINTS: We analysed the complications and risk factors associated with UGTA in 9667 cases. The complication rate was 4.43%; 1.94% were major complications. Risk factors of haemorrhage and hoarseness should be considered. UGTA was a safe method for the treatment of TNs.
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The combination of piezoelectric catalysis and photocatalysis could effectively enhance the carrier separation efficiency and further improve the hydrogen production activity. However, piezoelectric polarization always suffers from a low polarization strength, which severely restricts its actual applications. In this study, we successfully synthesized a novel sulfur vacancy-rich Bi2S3/ZnSn (OH)6 (BS-12/ZSH) piezo-photocatalyst for hydrogen evolution through water splitting. Notably, the piezo-photocatalytic hydrogen generation rate of the 8% BS-12/ZSH catalyst (336.21 µmol/g/h) was superior to that of pristine ZSH (29.71 µmol/g/h) and BS-12 (21.66 µmol/g/h). In addition, the hydrogen generation for 8% BS-12/ZSH (336.21 µmol/g/h) under ultrasonic coupling illumination was significantly higher than that under single illumination (52.09 µmol/g/h) and ultrasound (121.90 µmol/g/h), owing to the cooperative interaction of the sulfur vacancy and piezoelectric field. Various characterization analyses confirmed that (1) the introduction of sulfur vacancies in BS-12 provided more active sites, (2) BS-12 with sulfur vacancies acted as a co-catalyst to accelerate the hydrogen production rate, and (3) the piezoelectric field eliminated the electrostatic shielding and offered an additional driving force, which effectively promoted the separation of electron-hole pairs. This research clearly reveals the synergistic effect between piezocatalysis and photocatalysis as well as offers a promising sight for the rational design of high-efficiency piezo-photocatalysts.
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Constructing heterojunction to adjust the electronic structure of catalysts is a promising strategy for synergistically improving electrocatalytic activity. In addition, RuSe2is recognized as an effective alternative to Pt for boosting alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) on account of its outstanding catalytic properties. Herein, novel RuSe2/CeO2heterojunction electrocatalysts are fabricated through hydrothermal and thermal treatment methods. The optimal 50% RuSe2/CeO2heterojunction electrocatalyst exhibits a low HER overpotential of 16 mV to attain 10 mA cm-2current density and Tafel slope of 66.1 mV dec-1for hydrogen evolution in 1.0 M KOH. At the same time, the 50% RuSe2/CeO2heterojunction electrocatalyst also maintains a stable HER activity for 50 h or 3000 CV cycles. The experimental results show that formation of heterogeneous interface between RuSe2and CeO2results in the redistribution of electrons at the RuSe2/CeO2interface, thereby changing the electronic structure of RuSe2and enhancing the performance of the RuSe2/CeO2electrocatalyst. This work may provide a feasible way to design efficient hydrogen evolution heterojunction electrocatalysts by modulating the electronic structure in alkaline electrolytes.