Reversible trans-to-cis photoisomerization and irreversible photocyclization reactions of a Co-coordinated stilbene derivative on chiral di-ß-diketonate lanthanide complexes.

Six lanthanide complexes constructed from two chiral ß-diketonates (d/l-fbc = 3-heptafluorobutyryl-(+)/(-)-camphorate), the stilbene derivative (E)-N',N'-bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-4-styrylbenzoyl hydrazide (L), a trifluoroacetate anion (CF3CO2 -), and one water molecule, namely [Ln(d/l-fbc)2(L)(CF3CO2)]·H2O (LnC57H54F17N4O8, Ln = La (1, d-fbc), La (2, l-fbc), Sm (3, d-fbc), Eu (4, d-fbc), Eu (5, l-fbc), and Tb (6, d-fbc), were synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, 1H-NMR, elemental analysis, IR and UV-vis spectroscopy, and thermal gravimetric analysis. The photoisomerization reactions of these complexes were systematically studied by means of experimental and theoretical calculations. Crystals of complexes 1, 2, 3, and 4 were obtained and belong to the monoclinic crystal system and the C2 chiral space group. The Λ- and Δ-diastereomers coexist in their crystals and no apparent bisignate couplets are observed in their ECD spectra. Among the complexes, the photocyclization reaction is followed by the trans-to-cis photoisomerization reaction and competes with the trans-to-cis photoisomerization, then the photocyclization reaction continues. The photocyclization reaction is irreversible in this stilbene derivative and is delayed in the lanthanide complexes. These results provide a viable strategy for the design of promising new stilbene-attached dual-functional lanthanide-based optical-switching materials.

Suspected allergy to titanium after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion using a Zero-P device: a case report.

PURPOSE: Cases of allergy to large surgical implants have been reported. However, few studies have reported allergy to small titanium-containing implants (e.g. Zero-P device). METHODS: We reported the case of a 51-year old male patient who underwent the anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) procedure using a Zero-P device and exhibited allergic symptoms 1 month after the surgery. RESULTS: The allergic symptoms included intermittent tingling and itches in the throat induced by speaking. Systemic rashes over the skin surface and congestion of the eyeball, and dysphagia were also present. Anti-allergic treatment did not resolve the symptoms. Patch tests revealed negative reactions to the rested reagents including titanium. Radiographic results showed solid bone fusion and no signs of chronic inflammation or hypotoxic infection in the surrounding tissues. Upon the patient's request, we removed the titanium screws and plate of the Zero-P device. No allergic reactions were observed after the surgery and at a 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Even with a small implant such as the Zero-P device, allergy to titanium may still occur. This case demonstrated the need to screen for the presence of allergy to metals including titanium before the surgery.

Intervertebral disc injury is the mainspring for the postoperative increase in Cobb Angle after thoracolumbar burst fracture.

STUDY DESIGN: A single-institution retrospective study of a cohort of patients who underwent internal fixation spine surgery for thoracolumbar burst fracture (TLBF). OBJECTIVE: To observe the imaging manifestations of intervertebral disc changes in TLBF, to analyze the relationship between the degree of disc injury and the Cobb angle increase. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients who underwent short-segment pedicle screw instrumentation in the spinal surgery department of a single hospital between January 2014 and December 2017 (n = 90). According to the magnetic resonance imaging characteristics of the superior intervertebral disc tissue of the injured vertebrae before the operation, the intervertebral disc injury was divided into three types, which was used for group allocation: group A, uninjured intervertebral disc group; group B, mild intervertebral disc injury group; and group C, severe intervertebral disc injury group. The main imaging results of the three groups Cobb, IVA, IHI, AHIV, and VAS were compared among groups. RESULTS: Ninety patients were included in the study (n = 38, 32, and 20, in groups A, B, and C, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference in demographics among the three groups (p > .05). 1-year post-surgery, the Cobb angle in group C differed significantly from that in groups A and B (p < .01). There was a significant difference in Cobb angle between groups A and B after internal fixation was removed for 6 months. At 1-year post-surgery, the IHI group C differed significantly from groups A and B (p < .01), while groups A and B were similar (p = .102); however, at 6 months after the internal fixation was removed, the IHI differed significantly between these two groups, also the AHIV between groups A and B was statistically significant (p < .01). The VAS pain score was similar among the three groups. Pearson's test showed that the increase in the Cobb angle was moderately correlated with IVA and IHI, and weakly correlated with AHIV. CONCLUSION: For TLBF with an intervertebral disc injury, the presurgical degree of intervertebral disc injury is the main reason for the post-surgery increase in the Cobb angle. Thus, diagnosis and treatment of this kind of patient require attention to the risk of spinal deformity.

CNTs/LiV3O8/Y2O3 Composites with Enhanced Electrochemical Performances as Cathode Materials for Rechargeable Solid-State Lithium Metal Batteries.

Solid-state lithium metal battery (SSLMB) is regarded as a safer energy storage system compared to the liquid one. The performance of the SSLMB depends on the cathode performance and the side reactions derived from the interface of the cathode and the electrolyte, which becomes much severe at high temperatures. Herein, we carried out a facile spray-drying route to prepare a CNTs/LiV3O8/Y2O3 (M-LVO-Y) composite. The synthesized cathode material exhibits an outstanding Li+ storage performance with a high reversible capacity of 279.9 mA h g-1 at 0.05 A g-1, excellent power capability (182.5 mA h g-1 at 2 A g-1), and a long cycle lifespan of 500 cycles with a capacity retention of 66.5% at a current density of 1 A g-1. The fabricated rechargeable solid-state Li/M-LVO-Y-2 lithium metal battery (LMB) with a poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-based solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) achieves a high discharge capacity of 302.1 mA h g-1 at 0.05 A g-1 and a stable cycling performance with the highest capacity of 72.1% after 100 cycles at 0.2 A g-1 and 80 °C. The above battery performance demonstrates that SSLMBs with the CNTs/LiV3O8/Y2O3 cathode and the PEO-based SPE film can provide high energy density and are suitable for applying in a high-temperature environment.

Methanol-derived high-performance Na3V2(PO4)3/C: from kilogram-scale synthesis to pouch cell safety detection.

Na3V2(PO4)3 (NVP) is regarded as a potential cathode material that can be applied in sodium ion batteries (SIBs) owing to its NASICON structure. However, most of the reported works have focused on the synthesis of materials and the improvement of their electrochemical properties, with little research on the design and safety of pouch cells. Herein, we implemented a cost-saving route to realize the industrial-scale synthesis of NVP cathode materials. The obtained NVP samples possess an impressive Na-ion storage capability with high reversible capacity (116.3 mA h g-1 at 0.2 C), superior power capability (97.9 mA h g-1 at 30 C), and long lifespan (71.6% capacity retention after 2500 cycles at 20 C). It was remarkable that industrial-scale NVP/hard carbon (HC) sodium-ion pouch cells could be designed with an 823 mA h discharge capacity at a current of 200 mA (about 0.25 C), and which possess a long life and high rate performance (1000 cycles with a little decay at a current of 4000 mA). Besides, the pouch cells also exhibit excellent thermal stability when demonstrated for application in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and puncturing experiment results can further prove the excellent safety performance of NVP-hard carbon pouch cells.

Identification of three glioblastoma subtypes and a six-gene prognostic risk index based on the expression of growth factors and cytokines.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and invasive tumor of the central nervous system. Growth factors and cytokines (GFCKs) play a crucial role in tumor invasion. In the present study, GFCK expression profiles from GBM patients in the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas were used to perform sample clustering with nonnegative matrix factorization. Three GBM subtypes were identified based on differences in GFCK expression, and the subtypes differed in characteristics and prognosis. A prognostic risk index (RI) comprising six GFCKs (BMP2, CCN3, GKN1, LIF, MDK, and SEMA3G) was defined using univariate Cox hazard analysis and multivariate stepwise Cox regression. The RI was validated in two independent data sets and may be independent of some known prognostic factors. Our results suggest that GBM occurs as different subtypes expressing different patterns of GFCKs and that these expression patterns can be captured in an RI that can predict prognosis.

[Microsurgical resection of anterior clinoid meningiomas-- 46 cases report].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the microsurgical tchniques and effects for the resection of anterior clinoid meningioma (ACM). METHODS: Between January 2003 and March 2013, a total of 46 ACM patients were operated on via the pterion approach or lateral subfrontal approach. There were 16 male patients and 30 female patients, their mean age was 48.5 (16-69) years. Symptoms lasted from 1 month to 9 years(average 24.7 months). Preoperative CT and MRI examination showed that the tumors were located in the anterior clinoid process (25 cases on the right side, 21 cases on the left side). The average maximal tumor diameter was 4.4 cm (1.9-7.4 cm). The patients were peroidly followed-up on outpatient on 3 months to 6 months, then every year postoperativelly. The clinical data, radiological findings, surgical records and outcome of patients were retrospectively analyzed, and the prognostic factors were ananlyzed by using of the unpaired data χ(2) test with continuity correction. RESULTS: Of fourty-six patients operated on, apparently complete removal was achieved in 36 patients (78.3%), 10 patients (21.7%) had minimal residual tumors, 5 of which had gamma knife radiosurgery. Preexisting visual deficit improved in 21 of 41 patients (51.2%), unchanged in 16(35.6%), and worsened in 9(20.0%). At 3-6 months after discharge, 37(80.4%) patients had a good recovery, 7(15.6%) patients were moderately disabled, 1(2.2%) presented with severe disability, and 1 (2.2%) patient died of surgery-related causes. The tumor wrapping blood vessels (χ(2) = 4.676, P = 0.031) and violating cavernous sinus(χ(2) = 4.973, P = 0.026) were causes of unfavorable prognosis. During the mean follow-up of 35.1 months (range, 4-107 months) for 40 patients, the average Karnofsky score was 83.2. Tumor recurred in 4 cases: 2 of which required reoperation, and 2 had gamma knife radiosurgery. CONCLUSIONS: Tumor wrapped vessels and invasion of the cavernous sinus are important unfavorable prognostic factors for ACM resection. By using appropriate surgical strategies and techniques, ACM can be removed safely via the pterion approach or lateral subfrontal approach with relatively low morbidity and mortality.