Preparation and characterization of hierarchically porous hybrid gels for efficient dye adsorption.

Water treatment faces significant challenges due to the increasing complexity of pollutants and the need for more efficient, sustainable treatment methods. However, current adsorbent materials often struggle with issues such as low adsorption capacity, slow kinetics, and poor reusability, limiting their practical application. In this study, we developed a novel hierarchical porous hybrid gel (HPHG) for water treatment to address the limitations of conventional adsorbents. The HPHG features a multi-level porous structure (from 48 ± 28 nm to 4385 ± 823 nm) that significantly enhances its porosity and specific surface area. We systematically investigated the relationship between the material's structure and its adsorption performance. Kinetic studies revealed a tendency towards a pseudo-second-order adsorption model, attributed to the material's unique structural features that facilitate rapid mass exchange channels inside HPHG and provide abundant active sites for pollutant adsorption. Reusability tests demonstrated that the material retained 85.4% of its initial adsorption capacity after five adsorption-desorption cycles, highlighting its potential for practical applications. This study provides valuable insights into structure-performance relationships in advanced water treatment materials, offering a promising approach for designing next-generation adsorbents with superior efficiency and sustainability.

Anti-synthase syndrome associated with SARS-Cov-2 infection.

BACKGROUND: Anti-synthetase syndrome (AS) is a rare autoimmune idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) with diverse manifestations, including arthritis, interstitial lung disease (ILD), Raynaud's phenomenon, unexplained persistent fever, and mechanic's hands. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 72-year-old woman, previously healthy, who was admitted to our hospital for treatment of cough and rapid breathing. The patient had elevated white blood cells and C-reactive protein, and tested negative for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2). She was initially diagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia and received tamoxifen for anti-infection treatment, but her dystonia worsened. She eventually required non-invasive ventilator support, tested positive for SARS-Cov-2 again, and started antiviral therapy, corticosteroids to reduce alveolar effusion, anticoagulation, and other treatments. However, her condition continued to deteriorate, with the lowest oxygenation index reaching only 80mmHg. Ultimately, she underwent tracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation. Chest CT revealed rapid progressive interstitial changes in her lungs, and her hands showed noticeable fraternization changes. At this point, we suspected that the novel coronavirus infection might be associated with autoimmune diseases. The patient's autoimmune antibody spectrum showed positive results for anti-recombinant RO-52 antibody and myositis-specific antibody anti-alanyl tRNA synthetase (anti-PL-12). The patient was treated with dexamethasone sodium phosphate for anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects. After successful extubation, the patient was discharged with only oral prednisone tablets at a dose of 30 mg. CONCLUSIONS: This case presents an early diagnosis and successful treatment of anti-synthetase syndrome combined with SARS-Cov-2 infection, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive physical examination. Additionally, it highlights the rapid progression of interstitial lung disease under SARS-Cov-2 infection, which is often difficult to distinguish on imaging. In cases where treatment for SARS-Cov-2 infection is ineffective, early screening for autoimmune diseases is recommended. As there is currently no standardized method for treating AS-ILD, the successful treatment of this case provides a reference for clinical research on anti-synthetase syndrome in the later stage.

Case Report: PROS1 (p.Leu584Arg) pathogenic mutation causes portal and superior mesenteric venous thromboembolism.

Background: Genetic and acquired risk factors are fundamental to developing venous thromboembolism. Autosomal dominant protein S deficiency caused by pathogenic mutations in the PROS1 gene is a well-known risk factor for thrombophilia. Case presentation: We report a 30-year-old male patient who presented to the hospital with portal vein thrombosis. The patient had a history of abdominal pain for one month. Abdominal vascular CT showed venous thrombosis in the portal vein and superior mesenteric vein. He was diagnosed with "portal and superior mesenteric vein thrombosis, small bowel obstruction and necrosis, acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB), hemorrhagic shock." Serum protein S levels were decreased, and gene sequencing revealed a heterozygous missense mutation in PROS1, c.1571T > G (p.Leu584Arg). The patient received anticoagulation therapy with Enoxaparin Sodium and rivaroxaban, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), and ICU treatments. Although the patient had a severe bleeding event during anticoagulation therapy, he recovered well after active treatment and dynamic monitoring of anti-Xa. Conclusion: Hereditary protein S deficiency caused by a mutation in the PROS1 gene is the genetic basis of this patient, and Enoxaparin Sodium and rivaroxaban have been shown to be highly effective.

Case report: Cefoperazone-sulbactam induced Kounis syndrome and cardiogenic shock.

Background: Kounis syndrome is a hypersensitive coronary artery disease caused by the body's exposure to allergens, which is induced by various drugs and environmental factors. This entity has been described primarily in isolated case reports and case series. We report a case of type III Kounis syndrome caused by cefoperazone-sulbactam. Case presentation: A 79-year-old man who received an infusion of cefoperazone-sulbactam in Respiratory Department of our hospital for recurrent infections. 28 minutes later, he developed skin flushing of the trunk and extremities, soon followed by loss of consciousness and shock. With antianaphylaxis, pressor therapy, and fluid rehydration, the patient was admitted to the ICU for treatment. During which, he experienced recurrent ventricular fibrillation and a progressive increase in troponin I levels. The ECG of the patient showed that the ST segment elevation of lead II, III, avF, and V3R-V5R was 0.10-0.20 MV. An urgent coronary angiography showed an in-stent thrombosis in the middle part of the right coronary artery, occlusion of the distal flow with TIMI grade 0. The diagnosis was type III Kounis syndrome with cardiogenic shock. Despite aggressive treatment, the patient died on day 7 after ICU admission. Conclusion: Kunis syndrome is a life-threatening disease, and therefore allergic reactions in patients with a history of cephalosporin allergy and coronary stent implantation should be considered and treated promptly.

Acute mesenteric ischemia due to percutaneous coronary intervention: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is extensively used to treat acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Acute mesenteric ischemia is a life-threatening disease if untreated. CASE SUMMARY: An 81-year-old female presented with 3 d of lethargy and 1 d of dyspnea. On November 16, 2021, the patient developed a coma. Her oxygen saturation dropped to 70%-80%, the patient was admitted to the intensive care unit for further treatment. Chest computed tomography (CT) showed chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and multiple lung infections. Abdominal CT scan showed no obvious abnormalities, but have severely calcified abdominal vessels. The patient received assisted ventilation, and vasoactive, and anti-infection drugs. Troponin level was elevated. Since the patient was in a coma, it could not be determined whether she had chest pain. The cardiologist assumed that the patient had developed ACS; therefore, the patient underwent PCI via the left femoral artery approach, and no obvious abnormalities were found in the left and right coronary arteries. On the second postoperative day, the patient presented with abdominal distension and decreased bowel sounds; constipation was considered and a glycerin enema was administered. On day 4, the patient suddenly lost consciousness, and had decreased blood pressure, abdominal wall swelling with increased tension, and absence of bowel sounds. An urgent abdominal CT scan revealed gas in her hepatic portal system with extensive bowel wall necrosis. The patient died on day 5 due to intractable shock. CONCLUSION: The potential serious complications in patients undergoing PCI, especially the patients who are hemodynamically unstable and have severely calcified abdominal vessels, should all be considered.

[Study on accuracy of endoscopic polyp size measurement by disposable graduated biopsy forceps].

OBJECTIVE: To study the accuracy of endoscopic polyp size measurement by disposable graduated biopsy forceps (DGBF). METHODS: Accurate gradation of 1 mm was made in the wire of disposable graduated biopsy forceps, which was used to measure the size of tumors under endoscopy. Fifty-eight polyps from 43 patients underwent endoscopy in our department from May to June 2013 were enrolled. Size of polyp was measured and compared among DGBF, routine estimation and direct measurement after resection. The accuracy of polyp size measurement was investigated by four colonoscopists who had finished at least 2000 procedures of colonoscopy. RESULTS: The mean diameter of post-polypectomy measurement was (1.02±0.84) cm. Diameter was less than 1 cm in 36 polyps, 1 to 2 cm in 15, and over 2 cm in 7. The mean diameter of visual estimation was (1.29±1.07) cm, and the difference was significant as compared with actual size (P=0.000). The mean diameter measured by DGBF was (1.02±0.82) cm, and the difference was not significant as compared with actual size (P=0.775). The ratio of visual estimation to actual size was 1.29±0.31, and DGBF estimation to actual size was 1.02±0.11 with significant difference (P=0.000). The accurate rate of DGBF in estimating polyp size was 77.6% (45/58), which was obviously higher as compared to visual estimation [19.0% (11/58), P=0.000]. CONCLUSION: The accuracy of DGBF as a scale in the estimation of poly size increases as compared to visual estimation.

[Manufacture and application of laparoscopic extraperitoneal sigmoid colostomy].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic extraperitoneal sigmoid colostomy. METHODS: Thirty-six patients with low rectal cancer undergoing laproscopic abdominoperineal resection from July 2011 to July 2012 were prospectively enrolled in the study and randomly divided into extraperitoneal colostomy group(EPC, n=18) and internal peritoneal colostomy group(IPC, n=18). Follow-up period was 4-16 (median, 7) months and postoperative complications were compared between two groups. RESULTS: One case in EPC group was converted to IPC because of poor blood supply of the proximal sigmoid, who was eliminated from the subsequent analysis. Compared with the IPC group, the surgery time was longer in EPC group [(25.3±8.5) min vs. (14.7±6.4) min], while the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05). Each group had 1 case of stoma ischemia, who both received the colostomy reconstructive surgery. The incidence of stoma edema was significantly higher in EPC group[35.3%(6/17) vs. 0, P<0.05). The early postoperative complications rate did not significantly different between the two groups[58.8%(10/17) vs. 27.8%(5/18), P>0.05]. The late postoperative complications rate was 22.2%(4/18) in IPC group, including 1 case of stoma prolapse, 1 case of stoma stenosis and 2 cases of parastomal hernia. No later postoperative complication occurred in EPC group. CONCLUSION: Extraperitoneal sigmoid colostomy is an easy and safe procedure with lower late complications as compared to internal peritoneal sigmoid colostomy.

[Distribution characteristics of colorectal neoplasm in 4450 patients and implication for colorectal cancer screening].

OBJECTIVE: To study the distribution characteristics of colorectal neoplasm and evaluate the implication for colorectal cancer screening. METHODS: A total of 17,939 colonoscopies were performed in the National Center of Colorectal Surgery between October 2004 and June 2009. Characteristics of colorectal neoplasm including anatomical distribution, sex, and age were investigated. RESULTS: Colorectal neoplasm was found in 24.8% (4450/17,939) of the patients during colonoscopy, including adenomatous polyp (n=3410, 19.0%) and adenocarcinoma (n=1040, 5.8%). The prevalence of colorectal neoplasm was higher in male and significantly increased in patients older than 40 years. 63.3% of the lesions located at the distal colon (sigmoid colon and rectum) and 36.7% at the proximal colon (36.7%). In patients with adenomatous polyp, 52.8% (1802/3410) of the lesions were at the distal colon, 30.8% (1049/3410) at the proximal colon, and 16.4% (559/3410) at both distal and proximal colon. In patients with carcinoma (n=1040), 921 (88.6%) lesions located at the distal colon, 118 (11.3%) at the proximal colon, and 1 (0.1%) at both segments. CONCLUSION: Sigmoidoscopy is inadequate for colorectal cancer screening as compared to colonoscopy.

[Impact of polyamidoamine dendrimer liposome on the cellular uptake and cytotoxicity of colonic cancer cells].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of polyamidoamine dendrimer (PAMAM) liposome as gene carriers on the cellular uptake and its cytotoxicity in colonic cancer cell. METHODS: The liposome modified PAMAM was synthesized with liposome and polyamidoamine dendrimer. Plasmid PEGFP-N1 was mixed with the liposome-modified PAMAM or unmodified PAMAM to form nanoparticle complexes. The shape and size of the nanoparticle complexes were observed by transmission electron microscope and the zeta potential was measured by analytical tool. The encapsulating efficiency was determined by ultraviolet spectrophotometer in centrifuging method. After the cell lines SW620 (colonic cancer cell), MCF-7 (breast cancer cell), ECV304 (vascular endothelial cell) were transfected by the two kinds of PAMAM nanoparticle complexes, the flow cytometry was used to determine the uptake of enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) gene. The cytotoxicity of PAMAM liposome nanoparticles and PAMAM nanoparticles was evaluated by MTT assay. RESULTS: The diameter of liposome modified PAMAM complex was (192 ± 16) nm, and that of PAMAM complex was (189 ± 19) nm (P > 0.05); and the zeta potential of liposome modified PAMAM complex was higher than that of PAMAM complex [(42 ± 7) mV vs. (32 ± 7) mV, P < 0.05]. There was no significant difference in envelopment rate between the two groups [(82 ± 7)% vs. (84 ± 6)%, P > 0.05]. After the colonic cancer cell line SW620 was transfected with the two kinds of PAMAM nanoparticle complexes, the cellular uptake of the cells with the liposome-modified PAMAM complex was significantly higher than that of the cell with PAMAM complex (P < 0.05). The cellular survival rate of the cell lines with liposome-modified PAMAM complex was significantly higher than that of cell lines with PAMAM complex (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The liposome modified PAMAM can improve gene transfection efficiency and suppress its cytotoxicity.

[Indications for colonoscopy examination and its disease distribution: a report of 5690 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the indications for colonoscopy examination and the distribution of diagnostic diseases. METHOD: From Jan. 2000 to Dec. 2004, 5960 patients received colonoscopy examination in our colorectal center. The indications for colonoscopy examination and the distribution of its diagnostic diseases were analyzed. RESULTS: There were 3096 males and 2594 females,and the mean age was (52+/-15) years. The reasons for colonoscopy included hemafecia (26.9%), atypical abdominal pain (25.8%), diarrhea or increased frequency of stool (11.1%), anal tenesmus or discomfort (7.6%), constipation (7.0%),mucous or bloody purulent stool (3.0%), intra-rectal mass or abdominal mass on physical examination (0.9%), re- examination after colonoscopic polypectomy (10.9%), re-examination after operation for colorectal cancer(1.5%), simple health examination (2.2%). Colonoscope reached the cecum in 97.7% of the cases,and at least one disease was found in 2283 cases (40.1%). Among them,colorectal cancer accounted for 10.3%, colorectal polyps 19.6%, ulcerative colitis 4.3%, and Crohn's disease 0.5% respectively. CONCLUSION: The indications for colonoscopy are too strict to screen the early stage colorectal cancer. Colonoscopy should be performed in the cases with symptoms such as bloody stool, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, or with colorectal polyps, after operation for colorectal cancer,or as members of hereditary colorectal cancer family.