Interfacial nanoarchitectonics for ZIF-8 membranes with enhanced gas separation.

Metal-organic framework (MOF) membranes are potentially useful in gas separation applications. Conventional methods of MOF membrane preparation require multiple steps and high-pressure conditions. In this study, a reliable one-step interfacial synthesis method under atmospheric pressure has been developed to prepare zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) membranes supported on porous α-Al2O3 disks. To obtain optimal ZIF-8 membranes, three reaction parameters were investigated, namely, reaction temperature, reaction time, and concentration of the organic linker (i.e., 2-methylimidazole). The growth of ZIF-8 membranes under various parameters was evaluated by field-emission scanning electron microscopy, and the optimal synthesis conditions were determined (i.e., 80 °C for 12 h in 50 mM of 2-methylimidazole). The as-synthesized ZIF-8 membranes were then applied to CO2/N2 gas separation, which exhibited a maximum separation factor of 5.49 and CO2 gas permeance of 0.47 × 10-7 mol·m-2·s-1·Pa-1.

[Comparative study on effect of electroacupuncture at lower he-sea point of stomach and he-sea matching front-mu points for gastroparesis].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the efficacy difference of electroacupuncture at lower he-sea point and he-sea matching front-mu points for the treatment of gastroparesis. METHODS: A total of 63 patients with gastroparesis were randomly divided into a lower he point group (group A, 32 cases, 2 cases dropped off) and a he matching mu points group (group B, 31 cases, 1 case dropped off). The group A was treated with electroacupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36), and the group B was treated with electroacupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36) and Zhongwan (CV 12). Both groups were treated with continuous wave (2 Hz in frequency) for 30 min, once a day, 5 times a week for 3 weeks. The gastroparesis cardinal symptom index (GCSI) score, gastric half-emptying time (T1/2) and the 180 min gastric residual rate of the two groups before and after treatment were observed, and the clinical effective rate was compared. RESULTS: After treatment, the total GCSI scores, T1/2 and the 180 min gastric residual rates in both groups were lower than those before treatment (P<0.01), and the 180 min gastric residual rate and T1/2 in the group A were lower than those in the group B (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 93.3% (28/30) in the group A, which was superior to 70.0% (21/30) in the group B (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Electroacupuncture at lower he-sea point and he-sea matching front-mu points can both be used to treat gastroparesis, but electroacupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36) has a better effect. The acupoints of Zusanli (ST 36) and Zhongwan (CV 12) may have antagonistic effects.

[Study on "Hegu (LI 4) regulates face and mouth" based on palmomental reflex].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the correlation between hand and face-mouth, so as to provide nerve reflex basis for the theory "Hegu (LI 4) regulates face and mouth". METHODS: Seven hundred and sixty-three participants who met the inclusive criteria were divided into different age groups. The skin around participants' thenar eminence was gently scraped to be observed whether there was an involuntary movement around the face or mouth, which was palmomental reflex. The results of palmomental reflex were recorded. RESULTS: The total occurrence rate of palmomental reflex was 46.26%. For those who were 0 to 1 years old, the palmomental reflex was all positive; for those who were 21 to 36 years old, the positive rate was 20.45%, which was the lowest; for those who were 65 to 85 years old, more than half of them were positive. The majority of those who were 0 to 2 years old were bilateral positive palmomental reflex, while the majority of those who were 65 to 85 years old were unilateral positive palmomental reflex. CONCLUSION: There is a certain connection between hand and face-mouth. The occurrence rate of palmomental reflex changes from high to low over age increasing, and then changes from low to high with the aging, presenting a "high-low-high" U-shaped curve, which is possible related to the growth and recession of nervous system.