Green synthesis of lignin-directed palladium nanoparticles/UiO-66-NH2 paper-based composite catalyst for synergistic adsorption-catalysis removal of hexavalent chromium.

A combination of multiple methods can greatly intensify the removal efficiency of hazardous substances. Herein, the synergistic utilization of adsorption and catalysis achieved for the highly efficient removal of hexavalent chromium (Cr6+). A paper-based palladium nanoparticles/UiO-66-NH2 (PdNPs/UiO-66-NH2/LP) composite catalyst was prepared using lignocellulose paper-based material (LP) for the loading of UiO-66-NH2 MOFs materials, with the lignin in LP as the reducer for the in-situ synthesis of PdNPs (12.3 nm) on UiO-66-NH2 MOF materials. Lignocellulose paper-based materials with high strength (82 N·m/g) realized low-cost and environmentally friendly preparation and guaranteed the practicability of PdNPs/UiO-66-NH2/LP composite catalyst. The prepared PdNPs/UiO-66-NH2/LP achieved high-efficiency catalytic activity for hazardous Cr6+ removal through a constructed adsorption-catalytic synergistic system, in which the removal efficiency of Cr6+ in 10 min was increased by 2 times compared with a composite catalyst without MOFs loading. Finally, the PdNPs/UiO-66-NH2/LP composite catalyst demonstrated the great efficiency and practicality of water pollution treatment through synergistic adsorption enrichment and catalytic reduction.

Change in parental knowledge and beliefs about early childhood dental caries following a pragmatic community-based trial.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate parent knowledge and belief changes following the MySmileBuddy (MSB) early childhood caries (ECC) intervention. METHODS: Pre- and post-intervention surveys were completed by 669 parents of children with visually-evident ECC from among 977 participants in a 6-12-month pragmatic community-based caries management trial administered by community health workers (CHWs). Six domains of knowledge about caries and motivating and facilitating determinants were assessed via 26 survey items. Principal components analysis and reliability testing reduced dataset dimensionality. Parent and CHW characteristics were analyzed as potential moderators. Paired T-tests measured pre-to-post-intervention changes. Generalized estimating equations accounted for within-participant correlation with significance set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Twenty items consolidated into five factors (saliva, hygiene, diet, seriousness/susceptibility, and outcome expectations). Six additional items were evaluated individually. Positive post-intervention changes (p < 0.0001) were observed across all factors and all but one individual item (tooth decay is very common). Greatest knowledge increases related to caries as a bacterial disease in two measures, the saliva factor and a single caries belief item tooth decay is an infectious disease (0.59 unit increase, 95% CI [0.55, 0.64] and 0.46 unit increase, 95% CI [0.4, 0.51], respectively), and in the value of fluoridated water over bottled (0.46 unit increase, 95% CI [0.39-0.53]). Most parents improved knowledge of ECC salivary (72%) and dietary risks (57%), and preventative hygiene behaviors (59%). CONCLUSIONS: MSB enhanced knowledge and beliefs about caries and confirmed hypothesized mediators of behavior change among parents of high-risk children. Engaging peer-like CHW interventionists may have moderated intervention effects, warranting further exploration.

Correction of axial length measurement error by IOLMaster 700 could improve refractive prediction accuracy in silicone oil-filled eyes.

PURPOSE: To determine whether correcting the axial length (AL) measurement error of the IOLMaster 700 could improve the refractive prediction accuracy in silicone oil-filled eyes. METHODS: This study included 265 cataract patients (265 eyes) with silicone oil tamponade who were scheduled for phacoemulsification with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. The performances of various formulas, including Barrett Universal II, Emmetropia Verifying Optical, Hoffer-QST, Kane, Ladas Super Formula, Pearl-DGS, Radial Basis Function and traditional formulas (Haigis, Hoffer Q, Holladay 1 and SRK/T), were evaluated. The refractive prediction errors (PE) calculated with measured AL (ALmeas) and corrected AL with silicone oil adjustment (SOAL) were compared. Subgroup analysis was performed based on the ALmeas (<23 mm; 23-26 mm; ≥26 mm). RESULTS: Using SOAL significantly reduced the hyperopic PE of formulas when compared to ALmeas (-0.05 to 0.17 D vs 0.15 to 0.38 D, p < 0.001). After applying AL correction, all formulas showed a lower mean absolute PE (0.47-0.57 D vs 0.50-0.69 D). The percentage of eyes within ±1.0 D of PE increased from 84.91%-88.68% to 89.81%-91.32% for new formulas and from 78.11%-83.40% to 85.66%-88.68% for traditional formulas, with the use of SOAL. Subgroup analysis showed that the majority of formulas with SOAL in prediction accuracy for eyes with an AL ≥26 mm (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The refractive prediction accuracy in silicone oil-filled eyes was improved by correcting the AL measurement error of the IOLMaster 700, especially for long eyes.

Choice of intraocular lens calculation formula for cataract patients with prior pars plana vitrectomy.

PURPOSE: To determine the optimal intraocular lens (IOL) calculation formula for vitrectomized eyes with diverse surgical and biometric characteristics. SETTING: Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China. DESIGN: Retrospective consecutive case series study. METHODS: This study included 974 vitrectomized eyes (974 patients) scheduled for phacoemulsification with IOL implantation. 11 formulas were evaluated: Barrett Universal II (BUII), Emmetropia Verifying Optical, Hoffer-QST, Kane, Ladas Super Formula, Pearl-DGS, Radial Basis Function (RBF), Haigis, HofferQ, Holladay1, and SRK/T. Risk factors for prediction error (PE) exceeding 1 diopter (D) were determined using multiple logistic regression. Subgroup analyses were performed based on surgical history and biometric parameters. RESULTS: The risk of hyperopic PE (>1 D) was higher in patients with silicone oil tamponade (odds ratio [OR], 1.82) and longer axial length (AL) (OR, 1.55), while patients with previous scleral buckling (OR, 2.43) or ciliary sulcus IOL implantation (OR, 6.65) were more susceptible to myopic PE (<-1 D). The Kane formula had the highest overall prediction accuracy, and also the best in silicone oil-filled eyes and the flat cornea subgroup. The BUII and RBF displayed the optimal performance in eyes with previous scleral buckle and steep cornea, respectively. In eyes with an AL ≥ 26 mm, the Holladay1 with the nonlinear version of the Wang-Koch AL adjustment (Holladay1-WKn) showed the lowest absolute PE and highest percentage within ± 1.0 D of PE. CONCLUSIONS: The Kane achieved the highest overall prediction accuracy in vitrectomized eyes. The optimal formula for eyes with previous scleral buckle, steep cornea, or long AL was BUII, RBF, and Holladay1-WKn, respectively.

Pyrolysis and combustion characteristics of typical waste thermal insulation materials.

Thermal insulation materials are important for building energy conservation, but their wastes have increased sharply. Furthermore, pyrolysis and combustion are increasingly utilized to dispose of solid wastes and convert them into value-added fuels. To better understand the pyrolysis and combustion characteristics of these materials, typical thermal insulation materials (expanded polystyrene (EPS) and extruded polystyrene (XPS)) were investigated by employing thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry as well as cone calorimetry experiments. Pyrolysis behavior, kinetic parameters, pyrolysis index, thermodynamic parameters, endothermic properties and combustion parameters were estimated comprehensively. The results showed that EPS had better pyrolysis properties, while XPS had better combustion characteristics. Activation energies of EPS and XPS were 158.82 kJ/mol and 200.70 kJ/mol, respectively. Additionally, EPS had a higher pyrolysis stability index and comprehensive pyrolysis index, meaning a more intense reaction. Moreover, thermodynamic parameters indicated that the devolatilization products could be obtained easily from the two materials, and EPS and XPS could be converted into fuels. For the combustion, XPS had a smaller fire performance index and a larger fire growth index. These results can guide the reactor design and optimization for better converting polymer wastes into fuels and managing wastes.

Comparison of axial length measurements in silicone oil-filled eyes using SS-OCT and partial coherence interferometry.

PURPOSE: To compare axial length (AL) measurements in silicone oil (SO)-filled eyes using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) (the IOLMaster 700 and OA2000) and partial coherence interferometry (the IOLMaster 500). SETTING: Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangzhou, China. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: We enrolled phakic patients who underwent SO removal surgery. The AL measurements by the IOLMaster 500, IOLMaster 700, and OA2000, both before and after SO removal, were compared. Multiple regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for the differences between preoperative and postoperative AL measurements. RESULTS: 68 patients (68 eyes) with a mean age of 46.43 ± 13.24 years were included. No statistically significant difference was observed in the preoperative AL measurements between the IOLMaster 500 and IOLMaster 700 (25.48 ± 2.51 mm vs 25.49 ± 2.46 mm; P = .63), whereas the OA2000 yielded shorter AL (25.34 ± 2.36 mm) (both P < .001). After SO removal, the AL measurements showed no statistically significant differences among the 3 devices. In reference to the postoperative AL, the IOLMaster 500 and IOLMaster 700 tended to overestimate the AL in SO-filled eyes (both P < .001), and this measurement error increased with longer AL (ß = 0.08 and 0.05, respectively; both P < .001). No statistically significant difference was observed between preoperative and postoperative AL measurements by the OA2000 ( P = .18). CONCLUSIONS: The OA2000 is the preferred biometer for AL measurement in SO-filled eyes, whereas the IOLMaster 500 and IOLMaster 700 overestimate the AL especially for long eyes, which needs adjustment in clinical use.

Accuracy of new-generation intraocular lens calculation formulas in eyes undergoing combined silicone oil removal and cataract surgery.

PURPOSE: To compare the performance of new-generation and traditional intraocular lens (IOL) calculation formulas in eyes undergoing combined silicone oil (SO) removal and cataract surgery and to evaluate the prediction accuracy of Wang-Koch (WK) adjustment in SO-filled long eyes. SETTING: Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China. DESIGN: Retrospective consecutive case-series study. METHODS: New-generation formulas (Barrett Universal II, Emmetropia Verifying Optical, Kane, and Ladas Super formulas) and traditional formulas (Haigis, Hoffer Q, Holladay 1, and SRK/T formulas) were compared. The performance of WK adjustment was assessed in eyes with axial length more than 26 mm. The median absolute error (MedAE) was the main parameter to evaluate the accuracy of formulas. RESULTS: A total of 211 participants (211 eyes) who underwent combined SO removal and phacoemulsification with IOL implantation were included. Four new-generation formulas displayed statistically significant lower MedAE (0.32 to 0.35 diopter [D]) and higher percentage of eyes within ±1.00 D of prediction error (85.31% to 87.20%) compared with those of the traditional formulas (MedAE: 0.39 to 0.50 D; ±1.00 D: 81.04% to 81.99%, P < .05). For SO-filled long eyes, all traditional formulas showed hyperopic bias (0.36 to 0.65 D, P < .05), except for Haigis formula (0.28 D, P = .083), and this bias could be corrected by WK adjustment (P > .05). EVO formula displayed the lowest MedAE both in total (0.32 D) and in long eyes (0.33 D). CONCLUSIONS: New-generation formulas and traditional formulas with WK adjustment showed satisfactory prediction accuracy in eyes undergoing combined SO removal and cataract surgery. EVO formula displayed the highest accuracy.

Kinetic parameters estimation of pinus sylvestris pyrolysis by Kissinger-Kai method coupled with Particle Swarm Optimization and global sensitivity analysis.

Pyrolysis of pinewood (pinus sylvestris) was investigated based on thermogravimetric analysis. A new method was put forward to estimate its kinetic parameters by coupling model-free and model-fitting models. Kissinger-Kai method updated from Kissinger method was used as the representative of model-free method. Particle Swarm Optimization heuristic algorithm, as the typical model-fitting method, was coupled with three-component parallel reaction mechanism to search the optimized values, wherein its search ranges of kinetic parameters were referred to the original calculated values by Kissinger-Kai method. Furthermore, to explore the influence of separate kinetic parameter on the final predicted thermogravimetric results, global sensitivity analysis about these parameters was conducted by comparison of Spearman rank correlation coefficient based on Latin Hypercube Sampling and rank transformation. It was found that the top three parameters affecting the predicted results were activation energy of lignin, reaction order of cellulose and pre-exponential factor of lignin.

[Evaluation of the performance of a minimally invasive thoracic drainage tube in a rabbit model of hemothorax].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the performance of a minimally invasive thoracic drainage tube (14 F) made of polyurethane (PU) in a rabbit model of hemothorax in comparison with the conventional 28 F chest tube (CCT). METHODS: Thirty New Zealand rabbits were divided into experimental chest tube (ECT) group (n=9), CCT group (n=6), and blood provider group (n=15). Blood samples (20 mL) collected from the blood providing rabbits were injected into the chest cavity of the rabbits in the other two groups, and the time taken for closed drainage of the thoracic cavity was recorded. The rabbits in ECT and CCT groups were subjected to blood injections (20 mL for each injection) into the chest cavity every 20 min for 5 times, and the volumes of blood drained by ECT and CCT were measured. Two hours later, the rabbits were sacrificed and the residual blood and blood clots in the chest cavities were observed. RESULTS: Compared with CCT, the use of ECT significantly shortened the operation time (P<0.05) and produced more effective blood drainage at 20 min and 40 min after the placement of the drainage tube (P<0.05). No significant difference was found in the total blood volume drained between ECT and CCT groups, but the volume of residual blood in the thoracic cavity was significantly smaller in ECT group than in CCT group. No post-operative complications were found in the rabbits in ECT group while all the rabbits in CCT group had abutment pressure to the lung. CONCLUSION: Compared to CCT, ECT is less invasive and allows more effective thoracic drainage with more convenient operation and reduced postoperative complications, suggesting its potential for use in closed thoracic drainage in single-port video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) or in pediatric patients.

In vivo biocompatibility and hemocompatibility of a polytetrafluoroethylene small diameter vascular graft modified with sulfonated silk fibroin.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the biocompatibility and hemocompatibility of an enhanced polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) graft modified with sulfonated silk fibroin (SF) and to compare the patency rate of the modified graft to that of the commercially available unmodified ePTFE graft in a rabbit model. METHODS: Twelve SF-modified grafts were used to replace a section of the lower abdominal aortic artery in rabbits, and 10 unmodified ePTFE grafts were used as controls. The patency rates of these grafts were examined according to physical findings, ultrasonic examination, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). RESULTS: The patency rates of SF-modified ePTFE grafts on day 3, from day 4 to 3 months, and at 3 months were 100%, 91.7%, and 91.7%, respectively, and these values were higher than those for the unmodified grafts (60.0%, 33.3%, and 20.0%, respectively, with P = 0.029, 0.022, and 0.002, respectively). SEM images of grafts harvested 3 months postoperatively showed that approximately 84% of the inner surface of the SF-modified grafts was covered with endothelial cells growing longitudinally with extensive cell-cell connections. In comparison, endothelial cells covered only approximately 11% of the inner lumen of the unmodified grafts, and the inner surface of these grafts was covered with activated platelets, erythrocytes, and newly formed extracellular matrix. We also have developed a rabbit model to evaluate the patency rate of small diameter vessel graft by replacing the lower abdominal aortic artery with graft. CONCLUSION: The SF-modified ePTFE graft had a higher patency rate than the unmodified PTFE graft in vivo. In addition, replacement of the rabbit abdominal aortic artery represents a feasible and convenient model for evaluating the patency of small diameter vascular grafts.

The effects of liquid crystal-based composite substrates on cell functional responses of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells by mechano-regulatory process.

Physical properties of extracellular matrix, including elasticity and microstructure, have been considered as important factors inducing stem cell differentiation. This study developed a novel type of liquid crystal-based matrix by combining the elastic property of polyurethane with viscoelastic liquid crystal to generate a soft elastic response resembling physical microenvironment of stem cell niche, and explored the mechano-driving cell behaviors. Addition of varying liquid crystal concentration (10 wt%, 30 wt% and 50 wt%) had great effects on surface morphology and elastic modulus of liquid crystal/ polyurethane composite substrates. Changes in microstructure and elastic modulus of the substrates could cause intense cell responses that influenced cell properties, including proliferation, adhesion, and osteogenic differentiation. Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) cultured on both liquid crystal-10/polyurethane and liquid crystal-30/polyurethane substrates exhibited higher viability, more actin filament, and larger spreading area while liquid crystal-50/polyurethane substrates seemed not to favor cell attachment and spreading. Alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium deposition were significantly improved with hUC-MSCs on both liquid crystal-10/ polyurethane and liquid crystal-30/ polyurethane substrates, and the maximal alkaline phosphatase activity was observed in liquid crystal-10/ polyurethane while the lowest in liquid crystal-50/ polyurethane. Osteopontin was upregulated to a high level in both liquid crystal-10/ polyurethane and liquid crystal-30/ polyurethane groups after 14 days culturing; the maximal expression of osteocalcin and related transcription factor 2 were found in liquid crystal-10/ polyurethane group on day 21. Our findings revealed that hUC-MSCs could intensely sense the bioactive patterns and soft-matter feature of liquid crystal domains and subsequently modulated cell behaviors, which may prove useful in the development of new class of biomaterials for applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Improving blood-compatibility via surface heparin-immobilization based on a liquid crystalline matrix.

Blood compatibility is of considerable importance in developing medical materials and devices that are in contact with blood. In this work, we successfully developed a novel liquid crystalline heparin-immobilized material (Hep-OPPC) by two-step modification for further improvement of hydrophilicity and hemocompatibility of the liquid crystalline hydroxypropyl cellulose ester (OPCL). The results showed that Hep-immobilization on the OPCL led to dramatic changes in the surface morphology and crystallinity, whereas, the Hep-OPPCs also maintained the liquid crystalline feature at room temperature after heparinization. Furthermore, the hemocompatibility of the Hep-OPPCs was markedly enhanced at low levels of hemolysis assay (HR) with unimpaired erythrocytomorphology, significantly lower concentrations of C3a in blood plasma and remarkable increases in plasma re-calcification time (PRT). This suggests that the heparinized surface could restrict the transformation of fibrinogen with less activation of the intrinsic coagulation system. Moreover, the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin time (PT) values of the Hep-OPPCs with low heparin density could also be prolonged in this study suggesting that the liquid crystal feature of the matrix might be blocking the clotting factors. We concluded that the heparin-immobilized liquid crystalline material has the potential to be used in blood-contact materials.

Mechano-regulatory cellular behaviors of NIH/3T3 in response to the storage modulus of liquid crystalline substrates.

The extent of substrate stiffness has been shown to be predominant in regulating cellular behaviors. Previous studies have used matrices such as elastomers or hydrogels to understand cell behavior. Herein, liquid crystalline matrices that resemble movable morphology of biomembrane and viscoelasticity were fabricated with tunable storage modulus for the evaluation of the modulus-driven cell behaviors. Our results demonstrated that NIH/3T3 cells showed a hypersensitive response to the storage modulus of liquid crystalline substrates by the alteration in attachment, spreading, proliferation and viability, polarization, cell cycle and apoptosis, and activity of mechano-transduction-related signal molecules including FAK, paxillin and ERK. The octyl hydroxypropyl cellulose substrates (OPC-1-5) with intermediate storage modulus of 12,312Pa and 7228Pa (OPC-2 and OPC-3 respectively) could provide more beneficial adhesion conditions leading to a larger spreading area, more elongated morphology and higher proliferation rates possibly through paxillin-ERK pathway, whereas the substrates with the highest or lowest storage modulus (16,723Pa, OPC-1; and 41Pa, OPC-5, respectively) appeared unfavorable for cell growth. Our study provides insights into the mechanism of modulus-driven cellular behaviors for better design of bioengineered cell substrates.