Ultraflat Graphene Oxide Membranes with Newton-Ring Prepared by Vortex Shear Field for Ion Sieving.

The wrinkles on graphene oxide (GO) membranes have unique properties; however, they interfere with the mass transfer of interlayer channels, posing a major challenge in the development of wrinkle-free GO membranes with smooth channels. In this study, the wrinkles on GO were flattened using vortex shear to tightly stack them into ultraflat GO membranes with Newton's ring interference pattern, causing hydrolysis of the lipid bonds in the wrinkles and an increase in the number of oxygen-containing groups. With increasing flatness, the interlayer spacing of the GO membranes decreased, improving the stability of the interlayer structure, the flow resistance of water through the ultraflat interlayer decreased, and the water flux increased 3-fold. Importantly, the selectivity for K+/Mg2+ reached approximately 379.17 in a real salt lake. A novel concept is proposed for the development of new membrane preparation methods. Our findings provide insights into the use of vortex shearing to flatten GO.

Microanalysis Characterization and Immunomodulatory Effect for Selenium-Enriched Polysaccharide from Morchella esculenta (L.) Pers.

Morchella esculenta (L.) Pers., referred to as Morel, is a medicinal and edible homologous fungus, which contains many bioactive substances. In Morel, polysaccharides are the most abundant and have various bioactivities. In the present work, two novel polysaccharides, Se-MPS and MPS, were prepared and purified from selenium-enriched (Se-enriched) and common Morel mycelia, respectively, and their structural and immunomodulatory properties were evaluated. The results show that Se-enriched treatment significantly changed the polysaccharides' chemical composition, molecular weight, and sugar chain configuration. In addition, the Se-enriched treatment also improved the polysaccharides' fragmentation and thermal stability. Importantly, Se-enriched Morel polysaccharide (Se-MPS) could significantly enhance phagocytosis of RAW 264.7 macrophage cells and, remarkably, activate their immune response via activating the TLR4-TRAF6-MAPKs-NF-κB cascade signaling pathway, finally exerting an immunomodulatory function. Based on these findings, selenium-enriched Morel polysaccharide appears to have more potential for development and utilization in functional foods or medicines than ordinary Morel polysaccharide.

Extraction, Physicochemical Properties, Functional Activities and Applications of Inulin Polysaccharide: a Review.

Inulin is a naturally soluble dietary fiber that is widely distributed and primarily derived from plants. As a reserve biopolysaccharide in plants, inulin is considered an indigestible carbohydrate of fructan because of its unique ß-(2,1)-glycosidic bond structure. Numerous recent animal and human experimental studies have shown that functional inulin possesses multiple bioactivities, including immunomodulatory, antioxidant, antitumor, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, and gastrointestinal protective activities. Due to its increasing popularity, people tend to consume foods containing inulin. Moreover, inulin holds promise as a bioactive compound for use in the development of various food products. Therefore, this paper provides a detailed review of the extraction method, physicochemical properties, functional activity, and application development of inulin polysaccharides, to provide a theoretical foundation for further advancements in the fields of preparation and application of functional foods.

Automated total and vessel-specific coronary artery calcium (CAC) quantification on chest CT: direct comparison with CAC scoring on non-contrast cardiac CT.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the artificial intelligence (AI)-based coronary artery calcium (CAC) quantification and regional distribution of CAC on non-gated chest CT, using standard electrocardiograph (ECG)-gated CAC scoring as the reference. METHODS: In this retrospective study, a total of 405 patients underwent non-gated chest CT and standard ECG-gated cardiac CT. An AI-based algorithm was used for automated CAC scoring on chest CT, and Agatston score on cardiac CT was manually quantified. Bland-Altman plots were used to evaluate the agreement of absolute Agatston score between the two scans at the patient and vessel levels. Linearly weighted kappa (κ) was calculated to assess the reliability of AI-based CAC risk categorization and the number of involved vessels on chest CT. RESULTS: The AI-based algorithm showed moderate reliability for the number of involved vessels in comparison to measures on cardiac CT (κ = 0.75, 95% CI 0.70-0.79, P < 0.001) and an assignment agreement of 76%. Considerable coronary arteries with CAC were not identified with a per-vessel false-negative rate of 59.3%, 17.8%, 34.9%, and 34.7% for LM, LAD, CX, and RCA on chest CT. The leading causes for false negatives of LM were motion artifact (56.3%, 18/32) and segmentation error (43.8%, 14/32). The motion artifact was almost the only cause for false negatives of LAD (96.6%, 28/29), CX (96.7%, 29/30), and RCA (100%, 34/34). Absolute Agatston scores on chest CT were underestimated either for the patient and individual vessels except for LAD (median difference: - 12.5, - 11.3, - 5.6, - 18.6 for total, LM, CX, and RCA, all P < 0.01; - 2.5 for LAD, P = 0.18). AI-based total Agatston score yielded good reliability for risk categorization (weighted κ 0.86, P < 0.001) and an assignment agreement of 86.7% on chest CT, with a per-patient false-negative rate of 15.2% (28/184) and false-positive rate of 0.5% (1/221) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: AI-based per-patient CAC quantification on non-gated chest CT achieved a good agreement with dedicated ECG-gated CAC scoring overall and highly reliable CVD risk categorization, despite a slight but significant underestimation. However, it is challenging to evaluate the regional distribution of CAC without ECG-synchronization.

Ethylene Inhibits Anthocyanin Biosynthesis by Repressing the R2R3-MYB Regulator SlAN2-like in Tomato.

Fruit ripening is usually accompanied by anthocyanin accumulation. Ethylene is key in ripening-induced anthocyanin production in many fruits. However, the effects of fruit ripening and ethylene on anthocyanin biosynthesis in purple tomato fruits are unclear. This study shows that bagged fruits of the purple tomato cultivar 'Indigo Rose' failed to produce anthocyanins at the red ripening stage after bag removal. In contrast, the bagged immature fruits accumulated a significant amount of anthocyanins after removing the bags. The transcriptomic analyses between immature and red ripening fruit before and after bag removal revealed that anthocyanin-related genes, including the key positive R2R3-MYB regulator SlAN2-like, were repressed in the red ripening fruit. The 86 identified transcription factors, including 13 AP2/ERF, 7 bZIP, 8 bHLH and 6 MYB, showed significantly different expressions between immature and red ripening fruits. Moreover, subjecting bagged immature fruits to exogenous ethylene treatment significantly inhibited anthocyanin accumulation and the expression of anthocyanin-related genes, including the anthocyanin structure genes and SlAN2-like. Thus, ethylene inhibits anthocyanin biosynthesis by repressing the transcription of SlAN2-like and other anthocyanin-related genes. These findings provide new insights into anthocyanin regulation in purple tomato fruit.

Novel Pathogenic Mutation of PNPLA1 Identified in Autosomal Recessive Congenital Ichthyosis: A Case Report.

Autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis (ARCI) is characterized by being born as collodion babies, hyperkeratosis, and skin scaling. We described a collodion baby at birth with mild ectropion, eclabium, and syndactyly. Whole exome sequencing showed a compound heterozygous variant c.[56C>A], p.(Ser19X) and c.[100G>A], p.(Ala34Thr) in the PNPLA1 gene [NM_001145717; exon 1]. The protein encoded by PNPLA1 acts as a unique transacylase that specifically transfers linoleic acid from triglyceride to ω-hydroxy fatty acid in ceramide, thus giving rise to ω-O-acylceramide, a particular class of sphingolipids that is essential for skin barrier function. The variant was located in the patatin core domain of PNPLA1 and resulted in a truncated protein which could disrupt the function of the protein. This case report highlights a novel compound heterozygous mutation in PNPLA1 identified in a Chinese child.

Near-infrared optics of nanoparticles embedded silica thin films.

This work investigates experimentally the near-infrared optical properties of SiO2 thin film embedded with tungsten (W) nanoparticles at varying volume fractions. The samples are prepared by using the technique of magnetron sputtering. The formation and distribution of W nanoparticles are characterized using transmission electron microscopy, and the volume fraction of W nanoparticles is validated by Auger electron spectroscopy. Near- and mid-infrared diffuse reflectance measurements are conducted using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The samples exhibit wavelength selective optical response in the near-infrared region and are suitable for applications involving selective thermal emitters/absorbers. Measured reflectance data is utilized to estimate the effective dielectric function of the nano-composites. Calculated reflectance spectra in different samples are compared to the measured spectra using the experimentally measured dielectric function of these samples in the near-infrared region. Reflectance spectra after thermal annealing at different temperature are compared to show how the thermal treatment affects the optical properties of samples. Optimized structures are proposed for thermal emitters and absorbers with different volume fractions of W nanoparticles.

Risk factors and outcomes of acute kidney injury in ventilated newborns.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the occurrence and risk factors of acute kidney injury (AKI) in ventilated newborns.Methods: In total, 139 newborns receiving mechanical ventilation (MV) were reviewed in this retrospective study. The demographic and clinical data were collected. Then, the independent risk factors for AKI were evaluated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.Results: The incidence rate of AKI was 15.11% (21/139) in ventilated newborns. Univariate analysis showed significant differences in gestational age, birth weight, Apagar scores, the highest oxygen concentration, serum creatinine levels at admission and 48 h after MV, history of asphyxia, urine output at 48 h after MV, invasive MV, noninvasive MV, and outcomes between AKI and non-AKI groups (all p < .05). The lower gestational age (odd ratio (OR): 1.194, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.013-1.407, p = .035), the increased use of invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) (OR: 4.790, 95% CI: 1.115-20.575, p = .035), and lower birth weight (OR: 0.377, 95% CI: 0.178-0.801, p = .011) were independent risk factors for the occurrence of AKI. Additionally, higher stage of AKI was significantly associated with poor prognosis of AKI (p = .018).Conclusion: In this retrospective study, it was found that lower gestational age, birth weight, and increased use of IMV were independent risk factors for AKI in ventilated newborns. The poor prognosis might be indicated by the higher AKI stage.

Analysis of curative effects of human gamma globulin on bacterial pneumonia in pediatric patients.

The main aim of this study was to investigate the effects of human gamma globulin (HGG) on inflammation targets in children. A total of 80 children were randomly divided into observation and control group with 40 cases in each group. The control group was given comprehensive treatment while the observation group was treated with HGG. The time of disappearance of clinical signs and symptoms, time of improvement of pulmonary iconography, inflammatory indices, time and degree of improvement of lung function and adverse reactions were observed. The total effective rate in the observation group was 97.5% and significantly higher than control group (77.5%). The time of fever clearance, imaging improvement as well as cough and pulmonary rales disappearance in the observation group was shorter than control group. After treatment, the levels of inflammatory indicators such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reaction protein (CRP) in the observation group were lower than control group. No obvious abnormalities of urea nitrogen, creatinine, serum alanine amino transferase (ALT) and aspartate amino transferase (AST) were found in the two groups. Overall, HGG effectively shortened the course of RMPP, improved the cure rate, reduced the inflammatory reaction and promoted the recovery of lung function without obvious adverse reaction.

Early-life gut microbial colonization shapes Th1/Th2 balance in asthma model in BALB/c mice.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate the effect of early-life diverse microbial exposures on gut microbial colonization in an OVA-induced asthma model in BALB/c mice. METHODS: BALB/c mice were divided into 4 groups: A, offsprings were kept in a SPF environment during fetal, lactation, and childhood periods; B, offsprings were kept in the SPF environment during fetal and lactation periods, and kept in the general environment during childhood; C, offsprings were kept in the SPF environment only during fetal period, and then kept in the general environment; and D, offsprings were kept in the general environment during whole periods. The diversity of intestinal flora was analyzed using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. Mice were sensitized with OVA to establish an animal model of asthma. Then asthma-related inflammatory cytokines and histological analysis were performed. RESULTS: The diversity of intestinal microflora in group D was significantly higher than groups A, B and C at three days and three weeks after birth, and the diversity of intestinal microflora in groups C and D were significantly higher than groups A and B at five weeks after birth. The pathologic scores of OVA-induced asthmatic mice in group D were significantly lower than group A, and serum IFN-γ levels and the IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio in group D were significantly higher than group A. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to diverse microbial environments in early life affects gut microbial colonization in BALB/c mice. The diversity of the intestinal flora in early life may prevent airway inflammation in asthma via regulating the Th1/Th2 balance.

Selective Separation of Metal Ions via Monolayer Nanoporous Graphene with Carboxyl Groups.

Graphene-coated plastic substrates, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), are regularly used in flexible electronic devices. Here we demonstrate a new application of the graphene-coated nanoporous PET membrane for the selective separation of metal ions in an ion exchange manner. Irradiation with swift heavy ions is used to perforate graphene and PET substrate. This process could create graphene nanopores with carboxyl groups, thus forming conical holes in the PET after chemical etching to support graphene nanopores. Therefore, a monolayer nanoporous graphene membrane with a PET substrate is constructed successfully to investigate its ionic selective separation. We find that the permeation ratio of ions strongly depends on the temperature and H+ concentration in the driving solution. An electric field can increase the permeation ratio of ions through the graphene nanopores, but it inhibits the ion selective separation. Moreover, the structure of the graphene nanopore with carboxyl groups is resolved at the density functional theory level. The results show the asymmetric structure of the nanopore with carboxyl groups, and the analysis indicates that the ionic permeation can be attributed to the ion exchange between metal ions and protons on the two sides of graphene nanopores. These results would be beneficial to the design of membrane separation materials made from graphene with efficient online and offline bulk separation.

Virtual-Wall Model for Molecular Dynamics Simulation.

A large number of molecules are usually required to model atomic walls in molecular dynamics simulations. A virtual-wall model is proposed in this study to describe fluid-wall molecular interactions, for reducing the computational time. The infinite repetition of unit cell structures within the atomic wall causes the periodicity of the force acting on a fluid molecule from the wall molecules. This force is first calculated and then stored in the memory. A fluid molecule appearing in the wall force field is subjected to the force from the wall molecules. The force can then be determined by the position of the molecule relative to the wall. This model avoids excessive calculations of fluid-wall interactions and reduces the computational time drastically. The time reduction is significant for small fluid density and channel height. The virtual-wall model is applied to Poiseuille and Couette flows, and to a flow in a channel with a rough surface. Results of the virtual and atomic wall simulations agree well with each other, thereby indicating the usefulness of the virtual-wall model. The appropriate bin size and cut-off radius in the virtual-wall model are also discussed.

Establishment and Characterization of a CD20-Positive NK/T-Cell Lymphoma Cell Line.

BACKGROUND: CD20 positive NK/T-cell lymphoma is extremely rare and difficult for clinical treatment. Due to the lack of an established cell model for this disease, less is known about its biological characterization and potential therapeutic options. METHODS: A cell line of NK/T-cell lymphoma, which was enriched by magnetic sorting with proper cell surface markers (CD56) from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) drawn from a 21-year-old male patient with nasal angiocentric NK/T-cell lymphoma, was designated as ZQNK-29. Immunophenotypic analysis of ZQNK-29 was performed by flow cytometric and immunohistochemical analysis. Comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) analysis was used for cytogenetic analysis of ZQNK-29. Potential rearrangements of the immunoglobulin gene and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection were examined by PCR and RT-PCR, respectively. RESULTS: ZQNK-29 cells express the phenotypic T-cell marker (CD3), T cell activation markers (HLA-DR), markers for both NK and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (TIA-1), and B-lineage marker CD20; however, expression of CD56 was not detected in expanded ZQNK-29 cells although this NK cell surface marker was used as one of selective cell surface markers for the initial isolation of NK/T cells. RT-PCR analysis showed that the pattern of gene expressions for infected EBV was latency type III, with the expressions of LMP1, EBNA-1, and EBNA-2; no rearrangements were found in the heavy-chain of the immunoglobulin gene or in the y chain of the T cell receptors (TCRs) gene. CGH analysis demonstrated that ZQNK-29 possessed an abnormal karyotype, 46XY, 1p (dist)+, 4p (dist)+, 4q (mid)-, 5q (mid)-, 9q (dist)+, 16p (dist)+, 16q (dist)+, 17p+, 17q (dist)+, 19q (dist)+, 20p+, 20q+, 21q+, and 22q+. Of these, 1p (dist)+, which has been confirmed to be mitochondrial DNA amplification, is believed to be mainly caused by EBV infection. CONCLUSIONS: ZQNK-29 is a well characterized premature human NK/T-cell lymphoma cell line with expression of the B-cell marker CD20 and will provide a useful pre-clinic model for characterization and potential therapeutic studies of the aggressive NK/T-cell lymphoma.

Differential Expression of Mir-1 26 and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Retinal Cells of Metabolic Acidosis-Induced Neonatal Rats.

In present study, we aimed at investigating the expression level of microRNA and the related gene which might be involved in retinopathy of prematurity. Neonatal SD rats were randomly divided into 2 groups, the first one having rats with NH4CI induced acidosis, as experimental group. We observed retinal vascular morphology and hyperplasia using microscope, for both experimental and control groups, in days 3, 5, 8, 10, 13 and 20 after birth. Total RNA from the retinal samples was obtained at each time point. MiR-126 and VEGF mRNA were measured by quantitative RT-PCR, while immunohistochemistry was applied to analyze the protein expression level of VEGF. Results showed significant differential expression of miR-126 in the acidosis-induced neonatal rats at day 8 when compared with control rats. The VEGF mRNA and protein quantitative results also demonstrated corresponding differential expression among the experimental and control groups. Results from this study revealed that VEGF mRNA and protein expression levels increased in day 10, while the expression of miR-126 was remarkably down-regulated. It is thus suggested that the miR-126 plays an important role in the development of acidosis-induced retinopathy.

Expression of ephrinB2 and EphB4 in a neonatal rat model of periventricular white matter damage.

BACKGROUND: Periventricular white matter damage (PWMD), also termed periventricular leukomalacia, is the predominant neurologic lesion in preterm infants. It appears to relate in part to the development of the vascular supply to the cerebral white matter. We investigated whether, in case of severe hypoxia-ischemia, the vascular system would be subject to severe damage or remodeled. AIMS: To evaluate microvessel density (MVD) and the use of ephrinB2 and its receptor EphB4 to mark arterioles and venules to establish the correct anatomic assignment of the remodeled vessels in a hypoxia-induced PWMD rat model. METHODS: Postnatal day 3 rats underwent permanent ligation of the right common carotid artery followed by 6% O2 for 4 h (hypoxia-ischemia) or sham operation and normoxic exposure (sham). MVD and levels of ephrinB2 and EphB4, which are respectively regarded as relatively specific molecular markers of arteries and veins, were determined at postnatal day 7. RESULTS: Compared with sham rats, MVD, ephrinB2 and EphB4 levels were higher in the brains of hypoxic-ischemic rats. Similar percentages of vessels expressed ephrinB2 and EphB4 in sham rats, but expression of ephrinB2 was greater in brains injured by hypoxia-ischemia. CONCLUSIONS: Following hypoxic-ischemic injury to the rat brain, microvessels were remodeled and more arterioles than venules were acquired.

miRNA-dependent cross-talk between VEGF and Ang-2 in hypoxia-induced microvascular dysfunction.

Ocular neovascularization is a vision-threatening complication of ischemic retinopathy that develops in various ocular disorders, such as retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and diabetic retinopathy. Both Ang-2 and VEGF are implicated in this pathogenesis. However, their inter-regulation still remains elusive. Competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) are messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules that affect each other expression through the competition for the shared miRNA. Herein, we assessed whether the expression of Ang-2 and VEGF is interdependent through the sequestration of common miRNAs. Bioinformatics prediction and 3'-UTR luciferase assay revealed that Ang-2 and VEGF is commonly targeted by miR-351. Silencing either Ang-2 or VEGF increases the availabilities of shared miR-351, therefore reduces the activity of Luc-Ang-2 3'-UTR. The interdependence of VEGF and Ang-2 is miRNA- and 3'-UTR dependent, as silencing Dicer abolishes the interdependence. We also found that miR-351 dependency of VEGF-Ang-2 crosstalk occurs in retinal endothelial cells and rat retinas. miR-351 over-expression significantly reduces the level of VEGF and Ang-2 expression in vivo and in vitro. Overall, miRNA-dependent crosstalk between Ang-2 and VEGF plays a role in hypoxia-induced microvascular response. miRNA-based therapy can affect the expression of Ang-2 and VEGF, which represents a therapeutic potential for the treatment of vascular disease.

Identification of retinopathy of prematurity related miRNAs in hyperoxia-induced neonatal rats by deep sequencing.

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) remains a major problem for many preterm infants. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional level and have been studied in many diseases. To understand the roles of miRNAs in ROP model rats, we constructed two small RNA libraries from the plasma of hyperoxia-induced rats and normal controls. Sequencing data revealed that 44 down-regulated microRNAs and 22 up-regulated microRNAs from the hyperoxia-induced rats were identified by deep sequencing technology. Some of the differentially expressed miRNAs were confirmed by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR). A total of 594 target genes of the differentially expressed microRNAs were identified using a bioinformatics approach. Functional annotation analysis indicated that a number of pathways might be involved in angiogenesis, cell proliferation and cell differentiation, which might be involved in the genesis and development of ROP. The elevated expression level of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein in the hyperoxia-induced neonatal rats was also confirmed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). This study provides some insights into the molecular mechanisms that underlie ROP development, thereby aiding the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.

De novo assembly and characterization of the transcriptome of Morchella esculenta growth with selenium supplementation.

Although Morchella esculenta (L.) Pers. is an edible and nutritious mushroom with significant selenium (Se)-enriched potential, its biological response to selenium stimuli remains unclear. This study explored the effect of selenium on mushroom growth and the global gene expression profiles of M. esculenta. While 5 µg mL-1selenite treatment slightly promoted mycelia growth and mushroom yield, 10 µg mL-1significantly inhibited growth. Based on comparative transcriptome analysis, samples treated with 5 µg mL-1 and 10 µg mL-1 of Se contained 16,061 (452 upregulated and 15,609 downregulated) and 14,155 differentially expressed genes (DEGs; 800 upregulated and 13,355 downregulated), respectively. Moreover, DEGs were mainly enriched in the cell cycle, meiosis, aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, spliceosome, protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum pathway, and mRNA surveillance pathway in both selenium-treated groups. Among these, MFS substrate transporter and aspartate aminotransferase genes potentially involved in Se metabolism and those linked to redox homeostasis were significantly upregulated, while genes involved in isoflavone biosynthesis and flavonoid metabolism were significantly downregulated. Gene expression levels increased alongside selenite treatment concentration, suggesting that high Se concentrations promoted M. esculenta detoxification. These results can be used to thoroughly explain the potential detoxification and Se enrichment processes in M. esculenta and edible fungi.

Long-term efficacy of pneumatic dilation and esophageal stenting for the treatment of achalasia.

AIMS: To compare the efficacy and safety of pneumatic dilation with stenting for the treatment of achalasia. METHODS: Achalasia patients treated with pneumatic dilation or stenting were included in this analysis. Clinical symptoms were assessed by the Eckardt score. An esophagram and esophageal manometry were performed at the pretreatment and posttreatment follow-up visits. Data such as patient demographics and complications were collected. A drop in the Eckardt score to ≤3 was defined as treatment success. RESULTS: There were 151 patients treated with pneumatic dilation (n = 76) or stenting (n = 75). The 1-, 12- and 24-month therapeutic success rates were 100, 92 and 79%, respectively, in the dilation group and 100, 93 and 87%, respectively, in the stenting group. The decrease of Eckardt score in the stenting group was significantly notable (p < 0.05) compared to that of the dilation group at the long-term follow-up visits. The maximum esophageal diameter was comparable at baseline and became statistically significant [25 mm (22-30) vs. 22 mm (19-27), p = 0.004] at posttreatment month 24. The recurrence rate was 21% in the dilation group and 13% in the stenting group. The complications of either treatment were usually mild, transient and statistically insignificant. CONCLUSION: Esophageal stenting had a comparable short-term but better long-term efficacy in comparison with pneumatic dilation.

Functionalized graphene oxide/sodium alginate beads with ion responsiveness for uranium trapping.

Uranium as a strategic and non-renewable resource has been paid close attention to its efficient recovery and reuse from uranium-containing wastewater. Here, a composite bead was prepared by functionalized graphene oxide and sodium alginate (L-Lys-GO/SA) with ion-stimuli responsiveness for achieving U(VI) adsorption. The L-Lys-GO/SA-60 composite beads can selectively adsorb U(VI) with the maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) of 704.22 mg/g. Interestingly, the composite beads will swell under the stimulation of ions, which is more conducive to rapid solid-liquid separation and U(VI) recovery at low energy consumption. More importantly, the composite beads also exhibit high reusability of U(VI) adsorption with excellent life span of 80.11 % adsorption rate after 9 cycles, meaning that the composite beads and technology may be used in extraction and production for U(VI) from uranium-containing wastewater.