Abundant Edge Active Sites-Modified High-Crystalline g-C3N5 for Hydrogen Peroxide Production from Pure-Water via a Quasi-Homogeneous Photocatalytic Process.

Ultrathin carbon nitride pioneered a paradigm that facilitates effective charge separation and acceleration of rapid charge migration. Nevertheless, the dissociation process confronts a disruption owing to the proclivity of carbon nitride to reaggregate, thereby impeding the optimal utilization of active sites. In response to this exigency, the adoption of a synthesis methodology featuring alkaline potassium salt-assisted molten salt synthesis is advocated in this work, aiming to craft a nitrogenated graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N5) photocatalyst characterized by thin layer and hydrophilicity, which not only amplifies the degree of crystallization of g-C3N5 but also introduces a plethora of abundant edge active sites, engendering a quasi-homogeneous photocatalytic system. Under visible light irradiation, the ultra-high H2O2 production rate of this modified high-crystalline g-C3N5 in pure water attains 151.14 µm h-1. This groundbreaking study offers a novel perspective for the innovative design of highly efficient photocatalysts with a quasi-homogeneous photocatalytic system.

Construction of a Visible-Light-Response Photocatalysis-Self-Fenton Degradation System of Coupling Industrial Waste Red Mud to Resorcinol-Formaldehyde Resin.

Heterogeneous photocatalysis-self-Fenton technology is a sustainable strategy for treating organic pollutants in actual water bodies with high-fluent degradation and high mineralization capacity, overcoming the limitations of the safety risks caused by adding external iron sources and hazardous chemicals in the homogeneous Fenton reaction and injecting high-intensity energy fields in photo-Fenton reaction. Herein, a photo-self-Fenton system based on resorcinol-formaldehyde (RF) resin and red mud (RM) was established to generate hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in situ and transform into hydroxy radical (•OH) for efficient degradation of tetracycline (TC) under visible light irradiation. The capturing experiments and electron spin resonance (ESR) confirmed that the hinge for the enhanced performance of this system is the superior H2O2 yield (499 µM) through the oxygen reduction process (ORR) of the two-step single-electron over the resin and the high concentration of •OH due to activation effect of RM. In addition, the Fe2+/Fe3+ cycles are accelerated by photoelectrons to effectively initiate the photo-self-Fenton reaction. Finally, the possible degradation pathways were proposed via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). This study provides a new idea for environmental recovery in a waste-based heterogeneous photocatalytic self-Fenton system.

Construction of S-Scheme 2D/2D Crystalline Carbon Nitride/BiOIO3 van der Waals Heterojunction for Boosted Photocatalytic Degradation of Antibiotics.

Utilization of semiconductor photocatalyst materials to degrade pollutants for addressing environmental pollution problems has become a research focus in recent years. In this work, a 2D/2D S-scheme crystalline carbon nitride (CCN)/BiOIO3 (BOI) van der Waals heterojunction was successfully constructed for effectively enhancing the degradation efficiency of antibiotic contaminant. The as-synthesized optimal CCN/BOI-3 sample exhibited the highest efficiency of 80% for the photo-degradation of tetracycline (TC, 20 mg/L) after 120 min visible light irradiation, which was significantly higher than that of pure CCN and BOI. The significant improvement in photocatalytic performance is mainly attributed to two aspects: (i) the 2D/2D van der Waals heterojunction can accelerate interface carriers' separation and transfer and afford sufficient active sites; (ii) the S-scheme heterojunction elevated the redox capacity of CCN/BOI, thus providing a driving force for the degradation reaction. The degradation pathways of TC for the CCN/BOI composite were investigated in detail by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis. This work provides a design idea for the development of efficient photocatalysts based on the 2D/2D S-scheme van der Waals heterojunctions.

Near-Infrared Light Driven ZnIn2S4-Based Photocatalysts for Environmental and Energy Applications: Progress and Perspectives.

Zinc indium sulfide (ZnIn2S4), as a significant visible-light-responsive photocatalyst, has become a research hotspot to tackle energy demand and environmental issues owing to its excellent properties of high stability, easy fabrication, and remarkable catalytic activity. However, its drawbacks, including low utilization of solar light and fast photoinduced charge carriers, limit its applications. Promoting the response for near-infrared (NIR) light (~52% solar light) of ZnIn2S4-based photocatalysts is the primary challenge to overcome. In this review, various modulation strategies of ZnIn2S4 have been described, which include hybrid with narrow optical gap materials, bandgap engineering, up-conversion materials, and surface plasmon materials for enhanced NIR photocatalytic performance in the applications of hydrogen evolution, pollutants purification, and CO2 reduction. In addition, the synthesis methods and mechanisms of NIR light-driven ZnIn2S4-based photocatalysts are summarized. Finally, this review presents perspectives for future development of efficient NIR photon conversion of ZnIn2S4-based photocatalysts.

Photocatalytic Self-Fenton System of g-C3N4-Based for Degradation of Emerging Contaminants: A Review of Advances and Prospects.

The discharge of emerging pollutants in the industrial process poses a severe threat to the ecological environment and human health. Photocatalytic self-Fenton technology combines the advantages of photocatalysis and Fenton oxidation technology through the in situ generation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and interaction with iron (Fe) ions to generate a large number of strong reactive oxygen species (ROS) to effectively degrade pollutants in the environment. Graphite carbon nitride (g-C3N4) is considered as the most potential photocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) photocatalyst for H2O2 production due to its excellent chemical/thermal stability, unique electronic structure, easy manufacturing, and moderate band gap (2.70 eV). Hence, in this review, we briefly introduce the advantages of the photocatalytic self-Fenton and its degradation mechanisms. In addition, the modification strategy of the g-C3N4-based photocatalytic self-Fenton system and related applications in environmental remediation are fully discussed and summarized in detail. Finally, the prospects and challenges of the g-C3N4-based photocatalytic self-Fenton system are discussed. We believe that this review can promote the construction of novel and efficient photocatalytic self-Fenton systems as well as further application in environmental remediation and other research fields.

Boosted Tetracycline and Cr(VI) Simultaneous Cleanup over Z-Scheme WO3/CoO p-n Heterojunction with 0D/3D Structure under Visible Light.

In this study, a Z-Scheme WO3/CoO p-n heterojunction with a 0D/3D structure was designed and prepared via a simple solvothermal approach to remove the combined pollution of tetracycline and heavy metal Cr(VI) in water. The 0D WO3 nanoparticles adhered to the surface of the 3D octahedral CoO to facilitate the construction of Z-scheme p-n heterojunctions, which could avoid the deactivation of the monomeric material due to agglomeration, extend the optical response range, and separate the photogenerated electronhole pairs. The degradation efficiency of mixed pollutants after a 70 min reaction was significantly higher than that of monomeric TC and Cr(VI). Among them, a 70% WO3/CoO heterojunction had the best photocatalytic degradation effect on the mixture of TC and Cr(VI) pollutants, and the removing rate was 95.35% and 70.2%, respectively. Meanwhile, after five cycles, the removal rate of the mixed pollutants by the 70% WO3/CoO remained almost unchanged, indicating that the Z-scheme WO3/CoO p-n heterojunction has good stability. In addition, for an active component capture experiment, ESR and LC-MS were employed to reveal the possible Z-scheme pathway under the built-in electric field of the p-n heterojunction and photocatalytic removing mechanism of TC and Cr(VI). These results offer a promising idea for the treatment of the combined pollution of antibiotics and heavy metals by a Z-scheme WO3/CoO p-n heterojunction photocatalyst, and have broad application prospects: boosted tetracycline and Cr(VI) simultaneous cleanup over a Z-scheme WO3/CoO p-n heterojunction with a 0D/3D structure under visible light.

Are Patient and Surgeon Expectations after ACL Reconstruction Realistic?

BACKGROUND: Patient expectations may affect their satisfaction and functional outcomes after treatment of musculoskeletal injuries. Although there is evidence that patient expectations of ACL reconstruction (ACLR) are inflated, there is limited knowledge about the relationship between physician and patient expectations and patient outcomes after they completely recover from ACLR. Furthermore, it is unclear if specific patient factors influence these expectations. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) Are patient and surgeon expectations of knee function 18 months after ACLR similar? (2) Are patients' and surgeons' expectations of outcomes similar to patients' actual 2-year outcomes? (3) Is there a relationship between preoperative or intraoperative parameters and expectations? (4) Is there a relationship between preoperative or intraoperative parameters and 2-year ACLR outcomes? METHODS: One-hundred twenty-nine patients undergoing primary ACLR were prospectively enrolled in this study, with 98 (76%) completing 2-year follow-up. Patients completed the IKDC Subjective Knee Evaluation preoperatively and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. Patients also completed the same questionnaires preoperatively to evaluate expected knee function 18 months after surgery. Immediately postoperatively, surgeons completed the same questionnaires regarding the expected postoperative outcome at 18 months postoperative. Preoperative and intraoperative data were collected to determine an association between expectations and outcomes. Nonparametric analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test, the paired Wilcoxon signed ranks tests and Spearman's correlations, as applicable. RESULTS: There was no difference between patient and surgeon expectations (patient, 94.8 [range 47.4-100] versus surgeon, 94.3 [range 46-100]; p = 0.283), and there was no correlation between higher patient expectations and higher surgeon expectations (r = 0.168, p = 0.078). Patient and surgeon expectations were greater than the actual postoperative outcomes (2-year postoperative: 89.7 [range 32.2 to 100]; p < 0.0001); however, the differences are unlikely to be perceived. There was no correlation between higher 2-year postoperative outcomes and higher patient expectations (r = 0.14, p = 0.186) or higher surgeon expectations (r = 0.019, p = 0.86). Arthroscopic evidence of cartilage damage was independently associated with the worst patient and surgeon expectations. The surgeons themselves were also independently associated with surgeon expectation (p < 0.001). No parameters were associated with postoperative outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: There are no clinically significant differences between surgeon expectations, patient expectations, and 2-year actual outcomes. However, there is also no correlation between the patient expectations, surgeon expectations, and actual outcomes. Although expectations are similar to actual outcomes for most patients, surgeons are unable to accurately predict outcomes for specific patients; thus, preventing adequate patient counseling. Surgeons should be cautious when evaluating and counseling patients preoperatively and avoid assuming high expectations. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, therapeutic study.

Voriconazole exposure and risk of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma among lung or hematopoietic cell transplant patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Current evidence about the association between voriconazole and risk of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) remains inconsistent. OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between voriconazole use and risk of SCC. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed and Embase and performed a random effects model meta-analysis to calculate the pooled relative risk (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: Of the 8 studies involving a total of 3710 individuals with a lung transplant or hematopoietic cell transplant that were included in the qualitative analysis, 5 were included in the meta-analysis. Use of voriconazole was significantly associated with increased risk of SCC (RR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.36-2.55). The increased risk did not differ according to type of transplantation or adjustment for sun exposure. Longer duration of voriconazole use was found to be positively associated with risk of SCC (RR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.09-2.72). Voriconazole use was not associated with increased risk of basal cell carcinoma (RR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.41-1.71). LIMITATIONS: There were some heterogeneities in the retrospective observational studies. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support an increased risk of SCC associated with voriconazole in individuals with a lung transplant or hematopoietic cell transplant. Routine dermatologic surveillance should be performed, especially among individuals at high risk of developing SCC.

The Clinical Evidence Behind Biologic Therapies Promoted at Annual Orthopaedic Meetings: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to systematically evaluate the available clinical data for biologic therapies promoted for articular cartilage defects and osteoarthritis of the knee at the 2016 American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine Meeting (AOSSM) and the 2017 Arthroscopy Association of North America meeting (AANA). METHODS: Our sample included all exhibitors at the 2016 AOSSM meeting and 2017 AANA meeting. All biologic products marketed at each conference were identified by reviewing exhibition booths and company websites. A systematic review of the clinical data on each product was then completed using PubMed, EMBASE, and the product's own webpage. All clinical peer-reviewed studies with level I-IV evidence were included in the study. Basic science or preclinical studies were excluded. RESULTS: There were 16 products promoted for biologic therapy for articular cartilage defects or osteoarthritis of the knee at the AOSSM meeting and 11 products promoted at the AANA meeting. A total of 280 articles detailed clinical findings for the articular cartilage products displayed at AOSSM and AANA. Of the 280, there were 36 level I evidence studies, 37 level II evidence studies, 18 level III evidence studies, and 189 level IV evidence studies. Of these articles, 91% were for 4 products. Of all biologic products promoted at the 2 meetings, 65% did not have any peer-reviewed clinical data supporting their use. CONCLUSION: Overall, many biologic therapies promoted at leading arthroscopy and sports medicine conferences did not have clinical evidence evaluating their use in the peer-reviewed literature. Although scientific advancement requires new technology, orthopaedic surgeons should be cautious about using biologic therapies in their practice with no proven efficacy. There are likely promising new interventions that, with additional scientific research, will be proven efficacious for our patients. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This article gives orthopaedic surgeons a detailed example of some of the biologic treatments being offered on the market for the treatment of knee articular cartilage disease. When patients request these treatments, physicians must be able to explain the data supporting their use.

SGLT2 inhibitor plus DPP-4 inhibitor as combination therapy for type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

To assess the efficacy and safety of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors plus a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 4828 patients. Compared with a DPP-4 inhibitor, SGLT2 inhibitor/DPP-4 inhibitor combination therapy was significantly associated with a decrease in glycaemic control (HbA1c, -0.71%; fasting plasma glucose [FPG], -25.62 mg/dL; postprandial plasma glucose, -44.00 mg/dL), body weight (-2.05 kg) and systolic blood pressure (-5.90 mm Hg), but an increase in total cholesterol (TC) of 3.24%, high-density lipoprotein of 6.15% and low-density lipoprotein of 2.55%. Adding a DPP-4 inhibitor to an SGLT2 inhibitor could reduce HbA1c by -0.31%, FPG by -8.94 mg/dL, TC by -1.48% and triglycerides by -3.25%. Interestingly, low doses of an SGLT2 inhibitor in the combination has similar or even better efficacy in some aspects than high doses. Similar adverse events were observed for the combination therapy, with the exception of genital infection vs DPP-4 inhibitor (risk ratio [RR], 5.31) and consistent genital infection vs an SGLT2 inhibitor (RR, 0.61). Further studies are warranted to confirm these results.