Structural/Compositional-Tailoring of Nickel Hexacyanoferrate Electrodes for Highly Efficient Capacitive Deionization.

Prussian blue analogs (PBAs) represent a crucial class of intercalation electrode materials for electrochemical water desalination. It is shown here that structural/compositional tailoring of PBAs, the nickel hexacyanoferrate (NiHCF) electrodes in particular, can efficiently modulate their capacitive deionization (CDI) performance (e.g., desalination capacity, cyclability, selectivity, etc.). Both the desalination capacity and the cyclability of NiHCF electrodes are highly dependent on their structural/compositional features such as crystallinity, morphology, hierarchy, and coatings. It is demonstrated that the CDI cell with hierarchically structured NiHCF nanoframe (NiHCF-NF) electrode exhibits a superior desalination capacity of 121.38 mg g-1 , a high charge efficiency of up to 82%, and a large capacity retention of 88% after 40 cycles intercalation/deintercalation. In addition, it is discovered that coating of carbon (C) film over NiHCF can lower its desalination capacity owing to the partial blockage of diffusion openings by the coated C film. Moreover, the hierarchical NiHCF-NF electrode also demonstrates a superior selectivity toward monovalent sodium ions (Na+ ) over divalent calcium (Ca2+ ) and magnesim (Mg2+ ) ions, allowing it to be a promising platform for preferential capturing Na+ ions from brines. Overall, the structural/compositional tailoring strategies would offer a viable option for the rational design of other intercalation electrode materials applied in CDI techniques.

Mutational analysis of the androgen receptor gene in two Chinese families with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome.

Androgens are essential for normal male sex differentiation and are responsible for the normal development of male secondary sexual characteristics at puberty. The physiological effects of androgens are mediated by the androgen receptor (AR). Mutations in the AR gene are the most common cause of androgen insensitivity syndrome. The present study undertook a genetic analysis of the AR gene in two unrelated families affected by complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS) in China. In family 1, a previously reported nonsense mutation (G-to-A; p.W751X) was identified in exon 5 of the AR gene. In addition, a novel missense mutation was detected in exon 6 of the AR gene from family 2; this mutation resulted in a predicted amino acid change from phenylalanine to serine at codon 804 (T-to-C; p.F804S) in the ligand-binding domain (LBD) of AR. Computer simulation of the structural changes generated by the p.F804S substitution revealed marked conformational alterations in the hydrophobic core responsible for the stability and function of the AR-LBD. In conclusion, the present study identified two mutations from two unrelated Chinese families affected by CAIS. The novel mutation (p.F804S) may provide insights into the molecular mechanism underlying CAIS. Furthermore, it expands on the number of mutational hot spots in the international AR mutation database, which may be useful in the future for prenatal diagnosis and genetic counseling.

The prostatic utricle cyst with huge calculus and hypospadias: A case report and a review of the literature.

Prostatic utricle cysts with calculus and hypospadias are rare. There are a few reported cases. We present a case of a prostatic utricle cyst with huge calculus in a 25-year-old male. He had a history of left cryptorchidism and surgery for penoscrotal hypospadias in his infancy. He was referred for frequent micturition, urgency of urination, urine pain, terminal hematuria, and dysuria. A computed tomography (CT) revealed a retrovesical cystic lesion of low density, showing a 5 × 5-cm calcification. Retrograde urethrocystography showed a 5 × 5-cm high-density shadow in the posterior urethra. The cyst was incised by transperineal approach and the stone was clearly observed and removed. Urethral stricture repair was performed simultaneously. The patient recovered smoothly after surgery.

Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, receptor KDR and p53 protein in transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder.

AIM: To evaluate the expression profile of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), kinase-insert-domain-containing receptor (KDR) and p53 in patients from Northeastern China with transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of bladder. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and twelve patients with bladder transitional cell carcinoma were involved in this study. The expression of VEGF, KDR and p53 were evaluated by immunohistochemical staining on paraffin-embedded slides. The correlations between the biomarkers with clinical pathological characteristics were assessed; the co-expression of VEGF and KDR in tumor cells as well as the correlation between p53 and VEGF/KDR expression were analyzed. RESULTS: Expression of VEGF, KDR and p53 was observed in 69.6, 55.4 and 48.2% of TCC patients, respectively. VEGF, KDR and p53 expressions were found to be higher in the invasive bladder tumors than in the superficial tumors, and KDR and p53 expression were significantly associated with higher tumor grade. Co-expression of VEGF and KDR was found in 51 patients, and VEGF expression was associated with KDR expression. Positive correlations were found between p53 protein and VEGF/KDR expression. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that VEGF, KDR and p53 might be valuable biomarkers in prognosis of TCC patients. Co-expression of VEGF and KDR implied an autocrine signaling of VEGF in tumor cells, and the results of immunohistochemical staining supported the role of p53 gene in the process of angiogenesis.

[Rebuilding of scrotum in gangrene].

OBJECTIVE: To study diagnosis, treatment and rebuilding of scrotum gangrene. METHODS: From January 1992 to September 2004, 15 patients with scrotum gangrene were treated and their clinical data were analysed. Their ages ranged from 23 to 80 years. The results of bacterial culture were positive for wound sample in 14 cases and for blood in 1 case. All the patients underwent surgical treatment including incision, aggressive debridement, drainage, irrigation and antibiotic therapy. Two patients accepted hyperbaric oxygen therapy. All the patients received scrotum rebuilding by transfer of skin flap, skin grafting and saturation and orchiectomy was given in 2 elder patients. RESULTS: All the patients received healing by first intention after 21 to 34 days. There was no death. After a follow-up of 1 to 3 years, the appearance of scrotum was satisfactory and no orchiatrophy occurred. Thirteen patients with testicles had normal sexual function. CONCLUSION: After a definite diagnosis, early aggressive debridement, broad-spectrum antibiotics and sufficient local drainage should be used. If available, hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be used to promote healing of tissue wound. Scrotum should be rebuilt based on different conditions.