Biomechanical Research of Three Parallel Cannulated Compression Screws in Oblique Triangle Configuration for Fixation of Femoral Neck Unstable Fractures.

OBJECTIVE: Surgical treatment with internal fixation, specifically percutaneous fixation with three cannulated compression screws (CCSs), is the preferred choice for young and middle-aged patients. The mechanical advantage of the optimal spatial configuration with three screws provides maximum dispersion and cortical support. We suspect that the spatial proportion of the oblique triangle configuration (OTC) in the cross-section of the femoral neck isthmus (FNI) may significantly improve shear and fatigue resistance of the fixed structure, thereby stabilizing the internal fixation system in femoral neck fracture (FNF). This study aims to explore the mechanical features of OTC and provide a mechanical basis for its clinical application. METHODS: Twenty Sawbone femurs were prepared as Pauwels type III FNF models and divided equally into two fixation groups: OTC and inverted equilateral triangle configuration (IETC). Three 7.3 mm diameter cannulated compression screws (CCSs) were used for fixation. The specimens of FNF after screw internal fixation were subjected to static loading and cyclic loading tests, respectively, with five specimens for each test. Axial stiffness, 5 mm failure load, ultimate load, shear displacement, and frontal rotational angle of two fragments were evaluated. In the cyclic loading test, the load sizes were 700 N, 1400 N, and 2100 N, respectively, and the fracture end displacement was recorded. Results were presented as means ± SD. Data with normal distributions were compared by the Student's t test. RESULTS: In the static loading test, the axial stiffness, ultimate load, shear displacement, and frontal rotational angle of two fragments were (738.64 vs. 620.74) N/mm, (2957.61 vs. 2643.06) N, (4.67 vs. 5.39) mm, and (4.01 vs. 5.52)° (p < 0.05), respectively. Comparison between the femoral head displacement after 10,000 cycles of 700N cyclic loading and total displacement after 20,000 cycles of 700-1400N cyclic loading showed the OTC group was less than the IETC group (p < 0.05). A comparison of femoral head displacement after 10,000 cycles of 1400N and 2100N cycles and total displacement after 30,000 cycles of 700-2100N cycles showed the OTC group was less than another group, but the difference was not significant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: When three CCSs are inserted in parallel to fix FNF, the OTC of three screws has obvious biomechanical advantages, especially in shear resistance and early postoperative weight-bearing, which provides a mechanical basis for clinical selection of ideal spatial configuration for unstable FNF.

Theoretical Study on the Structures and Electronic Properties of Tungsten Fluorides at High Pressures.

Transition metal fluorides are a series of strong oxidizing agents. Tungsten (W) fluorides, particularly WF6, have shown broad applications such as luminescence and fluorinating agent. However, other stoichiometries of W fluorides have rarely been studied. It is well-known that pressure can induce structural phase transition, stabilize new compounds, and produce novel properties. In this work, the high-pressure phases of W-F were searched systematically at the pressure range of 0-200 GPa through first-principles swarm-intelligence structural search calculations. A new stoichiometry of WF4 has been predicted to be stable under high pressures. On the other hand, two new high-pressure phases of WF6 with the symmetries of P 2 1 ${{P2}_{1}}$ /m and P ${P}$ -1 were found with decahedral structural units. The electronic properties of the W-F compounds were then investigated. The predicted stable WF6 high-pressure phases maintain semiconducting features, since the W atom provides all its valence electrons to fluorine. We evaluated the oxidizing ability of WF6 by calculating its electron affinity potential. The high pressure P 2 1 ${{P2}_{1}}$ /m WF6 molecular phase shows higher oxidation capacity than the ambient phase. The built pressure-composition phase diagram and the theoretical results of W-F system provide some useful information for experimental synthesis.

Preparation and Property Characterization of Sm2EuSbO7/ZnBiSbO5 Heterojunction Photocatalyst for Photodegradation of Parathion Methyl under Visible Light Irradiation.

An unprecedented photocatalyst, Sm2EuSbO7, was successfully fabricated in this paper, through a high-temperature solid-state calcination method, which represented its first ever synthesis. Additionally, using the solvothermal method, the Sm2EuSbO7/ZnBiSbO5 heterojunction photocatalyst (SZHP) was fabricated, marking its debut in this study. XRD analysis confirmed that both Sm2EuSbO7 and ZnBiSbO5 exhibited pyrochlore-type crystal structures with a cubic lattice, belonging to the Fd3m space group. The crystal cell parameter was determined to be 10.5682 Å or 10.2943 Å for Sm2EuSbO7 or ZnBiSbO5, respectively. The band gap width measured for Sm2EuSbO7 or ZnBiSbO5 was 2.73 eV or 2.61 eV, respectively. Under visible light irradiation for 150 min (VLTI-150 min), SZHP exhibited remarkable photocatalytic activity, achieving 100% removal of parathion methyl (PM) concentration and 99.45% removal of total organic carbon (TOC) concentration. The kinetic constant (k) for PM degradation and visible light illumination treatment was determined to be 0.0206 min-1, with a similar constant k of 0.0202 min-1 observed for TOC degradation. Remarkably, SZHP exhibited superior PM removal rates compared with Sm2EuSbO7, ZnBiSbO5, or N-doped TiO2 photocatalyst, accompanied by removal rates 1.09 times, 1.20 times, or 2.38 times higher, respectively. Furthermore, the study investigated the oxidizing capability of free radicals through the use of trapping agents. The results showed that hydroxyl radicals had the strongest oxidative capability, followed by superoxide anions and holes. These findings provide a solid scientific foundation for future research and development of efficient heterojunction compound catalysts.

Physician-Modified Endografts for the Treatment of Thoracic Aortic Pathologies Involving the Aortic Arch.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of physician-modified endografts (PMEGs) for the treatment of thoracic aortic pathologies involving the aortic arch. METHODS: A retrospective single-center study was performed on consecutive patients with thoracic aortic pathologies treated by PMEGs between February 2018 and May 2022. Data on baseline characteristics, operative procedure, and follow-up information were collected. The endpoints included technical success, complications, mortality, overall survival, re-intervention, and target vessel instability. RESULTS: This study comprised 173 patients (mean age=58±13, range=28-83, 148 men) with thoracic aortic pathologies, including 44 thoracic aortic aneurysms, 113 aortic dissections (9 type A, 4 residual type A, 75 type B, 32 non-A non-B), 3 aortic intramural hematomas, and 13 penetrating aortic ulcers. Thirty-five of the patients had PMEGs with 3 fenestrations, 32 had 2 fenestrations, and 106 had 1 single fenestration. Technical success was 98% (170/173), and the 30-day mortality was 2% (3/173). Perioperative complications included stroke (n=3, 2%), retrograde type A dissection (RTAD; n=3, 2%) and renal injury (n=3, 2%). Seven deaths (4%) were noted during a median follow-up of 11 (range=1-52) months. Eleven cases of re-intervention were stent-related. There were 5 type Ia endoleaks (3%), 2 type III endoleaks (1%) from the innominate artery (IA), and 3 type Ic endoleaks (2%) from the left subclavian arteries. One case of IA stent-graft (SG) stenosis was noted because of mural thrombus. Estimate rates of overall survival, freedom from secondary intervention, and freedom from target vessel instability at 2 years were 93.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]=88.7%-98.1%), 80.7% (95% CI=73.3%-88.1%), and 89.0% (95% CI=80.4%-97.6%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Physician-modified endografts showed promising immediate therapeutic results in the treatment of thoracic aortic pathologies involving the aortic arch. Our study demonstrates that the technique is feasible and produces acceptable results. Long-term outcomes are required for further refinement of this technical approach to confirm technical success and durability over time as a valuable option for endovascular aortic arch repair in specialized centers. CLINICAL IMPACT: Our short- and mid-term outcomes of physician-modified endografts in 173 patients showed promising results compared to other branched/fenestrated techniques and backed up the endovascular repair of the aortic arch. Meanwhile, the technical expertise pointed out in our manuscript, including preloaded guidewire, diameter-reducing wire and inner mini-cuffs, provided reference and technical guidance for our peers. Most importantly, it demonstrated that the PMEG, as a device whose components were all commercially available, might be a better option for emergency surgery and for centers who had no access to custom-made devices.

Molecular dynamics study of fluorosulfonyl ionic liquids as electrolyte for electrical double layer capacitors.

The development of high-performance supercapacitors is an important goal in the field of energy storage. Ionic liquids (ILs) are promising electrolyte materials for efficient energy storage in supercapacitors, because of the high stability, low volatility, and wider electrochemical stability window than traditional electrolytes. However, ILs-based supercapacitors usually show a relatively lower power density owing to the inherent viscosity-induced low electrical conductivity. Fluorosulfonyl ILs have aroused much attention in energy storage devices due to its low toxicity and excellent stability. Here, we propose that structural modification is an effective way to improve the energy storage performance of fluorosulfonyl ILs through the classical molecular dynamics (MD) method. Four fluorosulfonyl ILs with different sizes and symmetries were considered. Series of properties including conductivity, interface structure, and double-layer capacitance curves were systematically investigated. The results show that smaller size and more asymmetric structure can enhance self-diffusion coefficient and conductivity, and improve the electrochemical performance. Appropriate modification of the electrodes can further enhance the capacitive performance. Our work provides an opportunity to further understand and develop the fluorosulfonyl ILs electrolyte in supercapacitors.

Effect of modulation by adsorption and doping on the quantum capacitance of borophene.

Electric double-layer supercapacitors (EDLCs) have attracted much attention in the energy storage field due to their advantages such as high output power, long service life, safety and high efficiency. However, their low energy density limits their application. Aiming at the problem of the low energy density of EDLCs, improving quantum capacitance (CQ) of electrode materials is an effective strategy. In this paper, we systematically studied the effects of vacancy, doping, and metal atom adsorption on the CQ of borophene using first-principles calculations. The results show that S and N doping greatly enhance the charge accumulation of borophene at positive and negative potential, respectively. The maximum CQ values of S-doped and N-doped borophene are 157.3 µF cm-2 (0.38 V) and 187.8 µF cm-2 (-0.24 V), respectively. Both of them can serve as ideal candidates for the positive (S-doped one) and negative (N-doped one) electrodes of EDLCs. Besides, metal Al atom-adsorbed borophene can also effectively enhance the CQ, with a maximum value of 109.1 µF cm-2.

Technical note: Intraoperative ultrasound measurement for evaluating the stability of the inferior tibiofibular joint in patients with ankle fractures.

OBJECTIVES: Injury to the tibiofibular syndesmosis is a common complication of ankle fractures. Currently, it is challenging to determine the stability of the tibiofibular joint caused by ankle fractures during surgery. This study aims to establish a standardized method for dynamically evaluating the stability of the inferior tibiofibular joint under intraoperative ultrasound and assess its utility in surgery, thereby assisting in determining the necessity for fixation of the inferior tibiofibular joint after fracture reduction and fixation. METHODS: The stability of the inferior tibiofibular joint was assessed using an intraoperative ultrasonic external rotation stress test, with a torque set at 7.2 N·m. The measured parameters included the width of the inferior tibiofibular space in neutral (N) and external rotation (E) positions, stretch ratio (E/N), and injured/healthy side stretch ratio (I/H). Patients with Weber B or C type ankle fractures were selected as participants. RESULTS: For the case with Weber C fracture, the N measurement was 4.22 mm after fracture fixation, while E measured 5.77 mm and E/N ratio was 1.37, which were larger than those on the healthy side (N: 4.17, E: 4.50, E/N:1.08), with an I/H ratio of 1.27. Intraoperative X-ray revealed instability of the inferior tibiofibular joint. After inserting a tibiofibular screw, the N measurement was 4.20 mm, while the E measurement recorded 4.32 mm, resulting in an E/N ratio of 1.03 and an I/H ratio of 0.95, indicating improved joint stability. For the Weber B fracture case, the N measurement was 3.55 mm after fracture fixation, while E measured 3.98 mm and the E/N ratio was 1.12, slightly lower than those on the healthy side (N: 3.94, E: 4.47, E/N: 1.13), with an I/H ratio of 0.99. The intraoperative X-ray revealed stability of the inferior tibiofibular joint. Therefore, no further fixation was performed on it. CONCLUSION: Standardized intraoperative ultrasound stress test allows for real-time, dynamic assessment of the stability of the inferior tibiofibular joint after ankle fracture reduction and fixation, which can help guide the fixation of the inferior tibiofibular joint, thereby reducing the risk of postoperative traumatic arthritis.

Theoretical Studies on the Quantum Capacitance of Two-Dimensional Electrode Materials for Supercapacitors.

In recent years, supercapacitors have been widely used in the fields of energy, transportation, and industry. Among them, electrical double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) have attracted attention because of their dramatically high power density. With the rapid development of computational methods, theoretical studies on the physical and chemical properties of electrode materials have provided important support for the preparation of EDLCs with higher performance. Besides the widely studied double-layer capacitance (CD), quantum capacitance (CQ), which has long been ignored, is another important factor to improve the total capacitance (CT) of an electrode. In this paper, we survey the recent theoretical progress on the CQ of two-dimensional (2D) electrode materials in EDLCs and classify the electrode materials mainly into graphene-like 2D main group elements and compounds, transition metal carbides/nitrides (MXenes), and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). In addition, we summarize the influence of different modification routes (including doping, metal-adsorption, vacancy, and surface functionalization) on the CQ characteristics in the voltage range of ±0.6 V. Finally, we discuss the current difficulties in the theoretical study of supercapacitor electrode materials and provide our outlook on the future development of EDLCs in the field of energy storage.

In situ reconstruction of an infected infrarenal aortic pseudoaneurysm and arteriovenous fistula with self-made pericardium graft.

Infectious aortic disease is a challenging life-threatening disease in cardiovascular surgery. A 70-year-old man patient presented with an infected infrarenal aortic pseudoaneurysm and right iliac artery- left iliac vein fistula (arteriovenous fistula). He underwent total infected tissues excision, debridement, in situ reconstructions of the aorta using a self-made pericardium graft with omental coverage and arteriovenous fistula patch repair to prevent leakage. One-year follow-up revealed the absence of clinically relevant infection with patency of the graft and the absence of biochemical inflammatory markers.

Burden of Knee Osteoarthritis in 204 Countries and Territories, 1990-2019: Results From the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.

OBJECTIVE: To report the global, regional, and national estimates of knee osteoarthritis (OA) burden and associated risk factors (high body mass index [BMI]) by age, sex, and sociodemographic index (SDI) for 204 countries from 1990 to 2019. METHODS: We analyzed the prevalence, incidence, years lived with disability (YLDs), and age-standardized rates of knee OA using data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2019. Estimates of the knee OA burden were derived from data modeled using a Bayesian meta-regression analytical tool (DisMod-MR 2.1). RESULTS: The global prevalence of knee OA in 2019 was ~364.6 million (95% uncertainty interval [95% UI] 315.3 to 417.4). The age-standardized prevalence in 2019 was 4,376.0 per 100,000 (95% UI 3,793.0 to 5,004.9), an increase of 7.5% between 1990 and 2019. There were ~29.5 million incident cases of knee OA in 2019 (95% UI 25.6 to 33.7), with an age-standardized incidence of 350.3 per 100,000 (95% UI 303.4 to 398.9). The global age-standardized YLD resulting from knee OA was 138.2 (95% UI 68.5 to 281.3) per 100,000 population in 2019, an increase of 7.8% (95% UI 7.1 to 8.4) from 1990. Globally in 2019, 22.4% (95% UI 12.1 to 34.2) of YLD resulting from knee OA was attributable to high BMI, an increase of 40.5% since 1990. CONCLUSION: The prevalence, incidence, YLDs, and age-standardized rates of knee OA increased substantially in most countries and regions from 1990 to 2019. Continuous monitoring of this burden is important for establishing appropriate public prevention policies and raising public awareness, especially in high- and high-middle SDI regions.

Midterm outcomes of physician-modified endovascular grafts for repair of postdissection and degenerative thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms.

Objectives: Although physician-modified fenestrated and branched endografts (PMEGs) were proposed as an alternative to thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) repair in 2012, PMEG use is still limited by the lack of long-term data in large series. We seek to compare the midterm outcomes of PMEGs in patients with postdissection (PD) and degenerative (DG) TAAAs. Methods: Data were analyzed for 126 patients (age 68 ± 13 years; 101 men [80.2%]) with TAAAs treated by PMEGs from 2017 to 2020, including 72 PD-TAAAs and 54 DG-TAAAs. Early and late outcomes were compared between patients with PD-TAAAs and DG-TAAAs, including survival, branch instability, and freedom from endoleak and reintervention. Results: Hypertension and coronary artery disease were present in 109 (86.5%) and 12 (9.5%) patients. PD-TAAA patients were younger (63 ± 10 vs 75 ± 12 years; P < .001), and more likely to have diabetes (26.4 vs 11.1; P = .03), history of previous aortic repair (76.4% vs 22.2%; P < .001), and smaller aneurysm size (52 vs 65 mm; P < .001). TAAAs were extent I in 16 (12.7%), II in 63 (50%), III in 14 (11.1%), and IV in 33 (26.2%). Procedural success was 98.6% (71 out of 72) and 96.3% (52 out of 54) for PD-TAAAs and DG-TAAAs (P = .4). The DG-TAAAs group sustained more nonaortic complications than PD-TAAAs (23.7% vs 12.5%; P = .03) in adjusted analysis. Operative mortality was 3.2% (4 out of 126), which didn't differ between the groups (1.4% vs 5.6%; P = .19). The mean follow-up was 3.01 ± 0.96 years. There were 2 (1.6%) late deaths (from retrograde type A dissection and gastrointestinal bleeding [n = 1 each]), 16 (13.1%) endoleaks, and 12 (9.8%) instances of branch vessel instability. Reintervention was performed in 15 (12.3%) patients. At 3 years, survival, freedom from any branch instability, and freedom from endoleak and reintervention were 97.2%, 97.3%, 86.9%, and 85.8% in the PD-TAAAs group, respectively, which did not differ significantly from DG-TAAAs patients (92.6%, 97.4%, 90.2%, and 92.3% all P values > .05). Conclusions: Despite the difference in age, diabetes, prior history of aortic repair, and aneurysm size preoperatively, PMEGs achieved similar early and midterm outcomes in PD-TAAAs and DG-TAAAs. Patients with DG-TAAAs were more prone to early nonaortic complications, which represents an aspect for improvement to optimize outcomes and warrants further study.

Achieving high quantum capacitance graphdiyne through doping and adsorption.

In recent years, a new two-dimensional carbon material, graphdiyne (GDY), has attracted extensive attention in the field of energy storage, due to its unique topological and electronic structures, high charge mobility, and excellent electron transport properties. However, the disappearance of the density of states near the Fermi level leads to a low quantum capacitance (CQ) of pristine GDY, which limits its application in supercapacitors. Here, we propose doping and metal atom adsorption to be efficient ways to increase the CQ of GDY. Based on first-principles density functional theory, the effects of doping B, N, P, and S atoms and adsorbing Au, Ag, Cu, Ti, and Al atoms on the CQ of GDY are systematically investigated. The results show that the CQ of GDY can be significantly improved by introducing doping/adsorption, which could be a potential cathode material and anode material for supercapacitors. Our work provides an effective way for GDY to be applied as an efficient electrode material for supercapacitors.

Two-type classification system for femoral trochlear dysplasia in recurrent patellar instability based on three-dimensional morphology.

PURPOSE: Radiographic and two-dimensional (2D) CT/MRI analysis of femoral trochlear dysplasia play a significant role in surgical decision-making for recurrent patellar instability. However, the three-dimensional morphology of dysplastic trochlea is rarely studied due to the limitations of conventional imaging modalities. This study aimed to (1) develop a 3D morphological classification for trochlear dysplasia based on the concavity of the trochlear groove and (2) analyze the interrater reliability of the classification system. METHODS: The 3D trochleae of 132 knees with trochlear dysplasia and recurrent patellar instability were reconstructed using CT scan data and classified using the innovative classification criteria between January 2016 and June 2020. A concave trochlear sulcus with sloped medial and lateral trochlear facets was classified as Type I trochlea. The trochlear groove with no concavity is classified as Type II. Furthermore, in Type II, the trochlea with the elevated trochlear floor at the proximal part was identified as IIa and the trochlea with the hypoplastic trochlear facets as IIb. The intra- and inter-rater reliability was examined using kappa (κ) statistics. RESULTS: The 3D classification system showed substantial intra-rater agreement and moderate interrater agreement (0.581 ~ 0.772). The intra- and interrater agreement of Dejour's four-grade classification was fair-to-moderate (0.332 ~ 0.633). Eighty-one trochleae with concave trochlear sulcus were classified as Type I, and fifty-one without concavity as Type II. Twenty-five non-concave trochleae were classified as type IIa due to the elevated trochlear floor and 26 trochleae into IIb with the hypoplasia of trochlear facets. CONCLUSION: This study developed a 3D classification system to classify trochlear dysplasia according to trochlear concavity and morphology of the trochlear facets. On CT/MRI scans or 3D reconstructions, the interpretation of features of dysplastic trochleae may vary, especially for the flat and convex trochleae. The novel system provides morphological evidence for when to consider trochleoplasty according to the different types of trochlear sulcus.

Patient-Reported Outcomes and Risk Factors for Decreased Improvement after Patellofemoral Arthroplasty.

Patellofemoral arthroplasty (PFA) is acknowledged as the method for the treatment of isolated patellofemoral osteoarthritis (PFOA). Few previous studies have assessed the patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and risk factors of less improvement of PROs in patients undergoing PFA. A retrospective analysis was performed, including all patients who had undergone PFA. Pre- and postoperative PROs included the Oxford Knee Score (OKS) and Kujala score. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed to assess influencing factors of less improvement of PROs including the demographic factors (gender, age, body mass index, smoking, opioid usage, and duration of symptoms [DOSs]), surgical factors (concomitant surgery), and imaging factors (trochlear dysplasia [TD], patellar height, the degree of PFOA). A total of 46 PFAs were analyzed with a mean follow-up of 37 ± 7 months. The mean age at surgery was 61.1 ± 7.7 years. Patients showed significant improvement in all PROs (p < 0.001). Patients with TD preoperatively have greater improvement in OKS and Kujala score postoperatively (19.2 ± 5.0 vs. 23.1 ± 3.6, p = 0.038). Longer DOSs (≥1 year) had a greater mean improvement in OKS and Kujala score (p = 0.011 and p = 0.000). According to the measurement of patella height, patients with patella alta (Caton-Deschamps index [CDI] ≥1.3) showed less improvement in both OKS and Kujala score (p = 0.000 and p = 0.002). PFA is a safe and efficient surgery with good PROs. Patella alta with a CDI ≥1.3 and duration of preoperative symptoms ≤ 1 year were risk factors for decreased OKS and Kujala score improvement, while the preoperative presence of TD was significantly predictive factors for increased OKS improvement.

Preparation and Property Characterization of In2YSbO7/BiSnSbO6 Heterojunction Photocatalyst toward Photocatalytic Degradation of Indigo Carmine within Dye Wastewater under Visible-Light Irradiation.

In2YSbO7 and In2YSbO7/BiSnSbO6 heterojunction photocatalyst were prepared by a solvothermal method for the first time. The structural characteristics of In2YSbO7 had been represented. The outcomes showed that In2YSbO7 crystallized well and possessed pyrochlore constitution, a stable cubic crystal system and space group Fd3m. The lattice parameter of In2YSbO7 was discovered to be a = 11.102698 Å and the band gap energy of In2YSbO7 was discovered to be 2.68 eV, separately. After visible-light irradiation of 120 minutes (VLGI-120M), the removal rate (ROR) of indigo carmine (IC) reached 99.42% with In2YSbO7/BiSnSbO6 heterojunction (IBH) as a photocatalyst. The ROR of total organic carbon (TOC) reached 93.10% with IBH as a photocatalyst after VLGI-120M. Additionally, the dynamics constant k which was taken from the dynamic curve toward (DCT) IC density and VLGI time with IBH as a catalyst reached 0.02950 min-1. The dynamics constant k which came from the DCT TOC density and VLGI time with IBH as a photocatalyst reached 0.01783 min-1. The photocatalytic degradation of IC in dye wastewater (DW) with IBH as a photocatalyst under VLGI was in accordance with the first-order kinetic curves. IBH was used to degrade IC in DW for three cycles of experiments under VLGI, and the ROR of IC reached 98.74%, 96.89% and 94.88%, respectively, after VLGI-120M, indicating that IBH had high stability. Compared with superoxide anions or holes, hydroxyl radicals possessed the largest oxidative ability for removing IC in DW, as demonstrated by experiments with the addition of trapping agents. Lastly, the probable degradation mechanism and degradation pathway of IC were revealed in detail. The results showed that a visible-light-responsive heterojunction photocatalyst which possessed high catalytic activity and a photocatalytic reaction system which could effectively remove IC in DW were obtained. This work provided a fresh scientific research idea for improving the performance of a single catalyst.

Synthesis and Property Examination of Er2FeSbO7/BiTiSbO6 Heterojunction Composite Catalyst and Light-Catalyzed Retrogradation of Enrofloxacin in Pharmaceutical Waste Water under Visible Light Irradiation.

A new photocatalyst, Er2FeSbO7, was prepared by solid phase sintering using the high-temperature synthesis method for the first time in this paper. Er2FeSbO7/BiTiSbO6 heterojunction (EBH) catalyst was prepared by the solvent thermal method for the first time. Er2FeSbO7 compound crystallized in the pyrochlore-type architecture and cubelike crystal system; the interspace group of Er2FeSbO7 was Fd3m and the crystal cellular parameter a of Er2FeSbO7 was 10.179902 Å. The band gap (BDG) width of Er2FeSbO7 was 1.88 eV. After visible light irradiation of 150 minutes (VLGI-150min) with EBH as a photocatalyst, the removal rate (RR) of enrofloxacin (ENR) concentration was 99.16%, and the total organic carbon (TOC) concentration RR was 94.96%. The power mechanics invariable k toward ENR consistency and visible light irradiation (VLGI) time with EBH as a photocatalyzer attained 0.02296 min−1. The power mechanics invariable k which was involved with TOC attained 0.01535 min−1. The experimental results showed that the photocatalytic degradation (PCD) of ENR within pharmaceutical waste water with EBH as a photocatalyzer under VLGI was in keeping with the single-order reactivity power mechanics. The RR of ENR with EBH as a photocatalyzer was 1.151 times, 1.269 times or 2.524 times that with Er2FeSbO7 as a photocatalyst, BiTiSbO6 as a photocatalyst, or N-doping TiO2 (N-TO) as a photocatalyst after VLGI-150min. The photocatalytic activity, which ranged from high to low among above four photocatalysts, was as follows: EBHP > Er2FeSbO7 > BiTiSbO6 > N-TO. After VLGI-150min toward three periods of the project with EBH as a photocatalyst, the RR of ENR attained 98.00%, 96.76% and 95.60%. The results showed that the stability of EBH was very high. With appending trapping agent, it could be proved that the oxidative capability for degrading ENR, which ranged from strong to weak among three oxidic radicals, was as follows: superoxide anion > hydroxyl radicals (HRS) > holes. This work provides a scientific basis for the research and oriented leader development of efficient heterojunction catalysts.

Five-Year Results of Aortic Remodeling for Acute, Subacute, and Chronic Type B Aortic Dissection Following Endovascular Repair.

Background: This study was performed to compare aortic remodeling and clinical outcomes in patients with acute, subacute, and chronic type B aortic dissection (TBAD) after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). Methods: We retrospectively examined 323 consecutive patients with acute (n = 129), subacute (n = 161), and chronic (n = 33) TBAD who underwent TEVAR from June 2013 to December 2016 in in multicenter institution. Patient demographics, clinical data, and imaging characteristics were recorded and compared among the three groups. Results: The three groups had comparable baseline characteristics. Perioperative mortality rates were similar among the acute (2.3%), subacute (0.0%), and chronic (0.0%) groups (P = 0.34). Perioperative morbidity rates, including the rates of visceral and lower limb malperfusion and cerebral infraction, were also similar. The rate of perioperative endoleak was significantly higher in the chronic group (18.1%) than in the acute (3.9%) and subacute (3.7%) groups (P = 0.02). The mean follow-up duration was 78 ± 22 months (range, 36-101 months). The mortality rates were comparable among the three groups. The rates of reintervention and lower limb malperfusion were higher in the chronic group than in the acute and subacute groups. FL diameter reduction were more robust in the acute and subacute groups than in the chronic group. Conclusion: Patients with acute, subacute, and chronic TBAD had different outcomes in this study. Patients with acute and subacute TBAD had fewer complications than those with chronic TBAD. Aortic remodeling after TEVAR was more favorable in patients with acute and subacute TBAD than in patients with chronic TBAD. TEVAR promotes more positive remodeling at the stent graft level than at the distal level of the aorta.

Synthesis, Performance Measurement of Bi2SmSbO7/ZnBiYO4 Heterojunction Photocatalyst and Photocatalytic Degradation of Direct Orange within Dye Wastewater under Visible Light Irradiation.

Originally, the new catalyst Bi2SmSbO7 was synthesized by the hydrothermal synthesis method or by the solid-phase sintering method at a lofty temperature. A solvothermal method was utilized to prepare a Bi2SmSbO7/ZnBiYO4 heterojunction photocatalyst (BZHP). The crystal structure of Bi2SmSbO7 belonged to the pyrochlore structure and face-centered cubic crystal system by the space group of Fd3m. The cell parameter a was equivalent to 10.835(1) Å (Bi2SmSbO7). With Bi2SmSbO7/ZnBiYO4 heterojunction (BZH) as the photocatalyst, the removal rate (RR) of direct orange (DO) and the total organic carbon were 99.10% and 96.21% after visible light irradiation of 160 min (VLI-160M). The kinetic constant k toward DO concentration and visible light irradiation time (VLI) with BZH as photocatalyst reached 2.167 min−1. The kinetic constant k, which was concerned with total organic carbon, reached 0.047 min−1. The kinetic curve that came from DO degradation with BZH as a catalyst under VLI conformed to the second-order reaction kinetics. After VLI-160M, the photocatalytic degradation (PD) removal percentage of DO with BZH as the photocatalyst was 1.200 times, 1.268 times or 3.019 times that with Bi2SmSbO7 as the photocatalyst, ZnBiYO4 as the photocatalyst or with nitrogen-doped titanium dioxide as the photocatalyst. The photocatalytic activity (PA) was as following: BZH > Bi2SmSbO7 > ZnBiYO4 > nitrogen-doped titanium dioxide. After VLI-160M for three cycles of experiments with BZH as the photocatalyst, the RR of DO reached 98.03%, 96.73% and 95.43%, respectively, which meant that BZHP possessed high stability. By using the experiment of adding a trapping agent, the oxidative purifying capability for degradation of direct orange, which was in gradual depressed order, was as following: hydroxyl radical > superoxide anion > holes. Finally, the possible degradation pathway and degradation mechanism of DO were discussed systematically. A new high active heterojunction catalyst BZHP, which could efficiently remove toxic organic pollutants such as DO from dye wastewater after VLI, was obtained. Our research was meant to improve the photocatalytic property of the single photocatalyst.

Patellofemoral Arthroplasty Improves Patellofemoral Alignment in Patients with Patellofemoral Osteoarthritis with Trochlear Dysplasia.

The impact of trochlear dysplasia on patellofemoral arthroplasty (PFA) has rarely been reported in the literature. The purpose of this study was to explore the effectiveness of PFA in patients with patellofemoral osteoarthritis (PFOA) associated with trochlear dysplasia. From January 2014 to March 2018, 35 patients with PFOA and trochlear dysplasia (29 females and 6 males), underwent PFA, were included in the present retrospective study. Radiological measurements including the patellar tilt (PT), congruence angle (CA), Blackburne-Peel ratio (BPR), tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance, and lateral trochlear inclination (LTI) were assessed pre- and postoperatively to evaluate the changes in patellofemoral alignment. The patient-reported functional outcome was assessed using the Oxford Knee Score. The mean follow-up time was 24 months (range, 18-42 months). The intraclass correlation coefficients were excellent for all measurements. The patellofemoral alignment and knee function were significantly improved postoperatively. The PT decreased from 23.3 ± 6.3 degrees preoperatively to 6.4 ± 2.3 degrees postoperatively (p < 0.001). The CA decreased from 32.3 ± 8.6 degrees preoperatively to 10.2 ± 3.6 degrees postoperatively (p < 0.001). The lateral trochlear inclination increased from 8.3 ± 4.1 degrees preoperatively to 16.0 ± 1.2 degrees postoperatively (p < 0.001). The TT-TG distance decreased from 18.2 ± 3.8 mm preoperatively to 11.5 ± 3.3 mm postoperatively (p < 0.001). The BPR did not significantly change postoperatively (p = 0.390). The average Oxford Knee Score improved from 19.5 preoperatively to 29.2 at 6 months postoperatively (p < 0.001), 37.9 at 1 year postoperatively (p < 0.001), and 39.1 at final follow-up (p < 0.001). No patient developed patellofemoral malalignment or prosthesis loosening during short-term follow-up. PFA achieved favorable therapeutic results in patients with PFOA associated with trochlear dysplasia.

Short-Term Outcomes of In Situ Fenestration in Total Endovascular Aortic Arch Treatment.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyze the short-term outcomes of in situ fenestration and discuss its feasibility and safety for the treatment of aortic dissection or aneurysm involving aortic arch. METHODS: A retrospective single-center review was conducted on patients who were treated with ISF technique to revascularize supra-arch branches from Jun 2017 to Oct 2019. Computed tomographic angiography was performed to assess the patency of bridging stents, endoleaks and prognosis prior to discharge, after 3 months, 6 months, 12 months and yearly thereafter. Patient demographics, operative details, clinical outcomes, and complications were analyzed and then discussed in this paper. RESULTS: A total of 21 patients were diagnosed with arch pathologies, 5 type A aortic dissections, 12 type B aortic dissections and 4 thoracic aortic aneurysms. There were 19 men and 2 women (mean age 60.7 ± 15.3). 8 cases were treated with three-fenestration stent grafts, 1 case with two-fenestration stent graft, and 12 cases with single-fenestration stent grafts. Overall technical success rate was 95.2%. Mean operation time was 227.4 ± 143.8 minutes. Complications were intraoperative hemorrhage (>1000 ml, 2), stroke (2), hydropericardium (1) and endoleaks (2 type Ⅲ, 1 type Ⅰ). There was no aorta-related mortality or late endoleaks during the mean follow-up of 25.5 ± 6.2 months. All the bridging stents remained patent and there was no migration according to follow-up Computed tomographic angiography. CONCLUSIONS: With low complication and mortality rate, ISF is an effective and feasible method for the total endovascular aortic arch repair. Long-term follow-up study is needed to evaluate its durability.