Insight into the Catalytic Oxidation Mechanism of Hydrogen Isotopes by Pt Clusters Confined by Silicalite-1.

Highly efficient removal of low concentrations of hydrogen isotope gas in air is crucial for the safe operation of nuclear energy plants. Herein, silicalite-1-confined Pt cluster catalysts were used for the catalytic oxidation of hydrogen isotopes, and the related catalytic mechanism was revealed. Increased temperature in direct hydrogen reduction treatment slightly increased the size of Pt clusters from 1.6 nm at 400 °C to 1.8 nm at 600 °C. The catalyst reduced at 600 °C exhibited excellent performance (99%) in hydrogen isotope oxidation at 75 °C, as well as high stability and catalytic efficiency in continuous and intermittent operation for 7200 min. X-ray absorbance spectroscopy confirmed the existence of Pt clusters in the catalysts, and the theoretical results showed that the total net charge was -0.07 e, indicating a slight charge transfer from the zeolite to the Pt atoms. The metal-support interaction thermally stabilized Pt clusters and altered the metal electronic structure, which enhanced the catalytic activity following a hydroperoxyl (OOH)-mediated route. Based on the low reaction temperature, efficient hydrogen conversion rate, and high stability, the silicalite-1-confined Pt cluster catalyst is expected to be used in hydrogen isotope oxidation treatment to achieve nuclear safety.

Small-Angle X-ray Scattering for PEGylated Liposomal Doxorubicin Drugs: An Analytical Model Comparison Study.

Liposomal delivery systems are recognized as efficient and safe platforms for chemotherapeutic agents, with doxorubicin-loaded liposomes being the most representative nanopharmaceuticals. Characterizing the structure of liposomal nanomedicines in high spatial and temporal resolution is critical to analyze and evaluate their stability and efficacy. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) is a powerful tool increasingly used to investigate liposomal delivery systems. In this study, we chose a Doxil-like PEGylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) as an example and characterized the liposomal drug structure using synchrotron SAXS. Classical analytical models, including the spherical-shell or flat-slab geometries with Gaussian or uniform electron density profiles, were used to model the internal structure of the liposomal membrane. A cylinder model was applied to fit the scattering from the drug crystal loaded in the liposomes. The high-resolution structures of the original drug, Caelyx, and a similar research drug prepared in our laboratory were characterized using these analytical models. The structural parameters of PLDs, including the thickness of the liposomal membrane and morphology of the drug crystal, were further compared. The results demonstrated that both spherical-shell and flat-slab geometries with Gaussian electron density distribution were suitable to elucidate the structural features of the liposomal membrane under a certain range of scattering vectors, while models with uniform electron density distribution exhibited poor fitting performance. This study highlights the technical features of SAXS, which provides structural information at the nanoscale for liposomal drugs. The demonstrated methods are reliable and easy-to-use for the structural analysis of liposomal drugs, which are helpful for a broader application of SAXS in the production and regulation of nanopharmaceuticals.

Effects of heart failure and coronary artery disease on erectile dysfunction: a two-sample mendelian randomization study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: There are no clear conclusions as to whether heart failure (HF) and coronary heart disease (CAD) increase the risk of erectile dysfunction (ED).In our study, we used Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to discover a causal relationship between HF, CAD and ED. METHODS: Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with HF, CAD and ED were obtained from the MRC IEU Open Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) database.After a series of screenings, the remaining SNPs were selected as instrumental variables (IVs) for HF and CAD for MR analysis to assess the relationship between genetically predicted HF or CAD and the pathogenesis of ED.Among them, we used the random-effects inverse variance weighted (IVW) method as the primary analysis method.Finally, Cochran's q-test, funnel plots, MR-Egger regression, Leave-one-out method and MR-PRESSO were used for sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: In the IVW method, there was no significant causal relationship between genetically predicted HF and CAD and the incidence of ED.(HF: OR = 1.17, 95% CI 0.99-1.39; p = 0.074;CAD: OR = 1.08, 95% CI 0.99-1.17, p = 0.068)。The results of sensitivity analyses supported our conclusion that no horizontal pleiotropism was found. CONCLUSION: This study did not find a causal relationship between HF or CAD and ED in European populations, which requires further in-depth research.

Flexible Membrane Consisting of MoP Ultrafine Nanoparticles Highly Distributed Inside N and P Codoped Carbon Nanofibers as High-Performance Anode for Potassium-Ion Batteries.

Rechargeable potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) have attracted tremendous attention as potential electrical energy storage systems due to the special merit of abundant resources and low cost of potassium. However, one critical barrier to achieve practical application of PIBs has been the lack of suitable electrode materials. Here, a novel flexible membrane consisting of N, P codoped carbon nanofibers decorated with MoP ultrafine nanoparticles (MoP@NPCNFs) is fabricated via a simple electrospinning method combined with the later carbonization and phosphorization process. The 3D porous CNF structure in the as-synthesized composite can shorten the transport pathways of K-ions and improve the conductivity of electrons. The ultrafine MoP nanoparticles can guarantee high specific capacity and the N, P co-doping could improve wettability of electrodes to electrolytes. As expected, the free-standing MoP@NPCNF electrode demonstrates a high capacity of 320 mAh g-1 at 100 mA g-1 , a superior rate capability maintaining 220 mAh g-1 at 2 A g-1 , as well as a capacity retention of more than 90% even after 200 cycles. The excellent rate performance, high reversible capacity, long-term cycling stability, and facile synthesis routine make this hybrid membrane promising anode for potassium-ion batteries.

Sorption behavior of tetracyclines on suspended organic matters originating from swine wastewater.

Tetracyclines (TCs) discharged from livestock wastewater have aroused public concerns due to their pharmacological threats to ecosystems and human health. As an important medium in the wastewater, suspended organic matters (SOMs) play vital roles in antibiotics transport and degradation. However, limited information has been reported in the relevant literature. This study investigated TCs sorption behavior on SOM, withdrawn from swine wastewater. High TCs sorption capacities were detected, with the maximum values ranging from 0.337 to 0.679mg/g. Increasing pH and temperature led to the decline of sorption capacity. Results from three-dimensional excitation-emission matrix fluorescence spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry revealed that amide and carboxyl groups were the main functional groups for TCs adsorption. The interactions between SOM and TCs were clarified as predominated by hydrogen-bonding and cation-exchange in acid conditions, and electrostatic repulsion in neutral or alkaline conditions. Adsorption kinetics modeling was conducted, and a satisfactory fitting was achieved with the Freundlich equation. These results indicated that the adsorption process was a rather complex process, involving a combination of cation-exchange and hydrogen-bonding. The results will provide a better understanding of the capability of SOM for TCs transport and abatement in the wastewater treatment process.

Huatuo Zaizao pill promotes functional recovery and neurogenesis after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in rats.

BACKGROUND: Ischemic stroke is the third leading cause of death in adults worldwide and is the first leading cause of long-term disability. Neurogenesis plays an important role in promoting behavioral recovery after stroke. Huatuo Zaizao pill (HT), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been used clinically in China to promote the rehabilitation after stroke, but the underlying mechanism of action was still unclear. This study is to investigate the effects of HT on the functional recovery in a rat model of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, and the potential molecular mechanisms. METHODS: Rats were randomly divided into sham, model with cerebral I/R injury, or HT-treated groups, then administered orally with vehicle (for the sham and model group) or HT (0.5, 1.0, or 2.0 mg/kg) respectively, for 3 or 7 days. Functional recovery was assessed by cylinder test, beam walking test, and adhesive test. Neurogenesis was investigated by double immunofluorescence staining for 5-ethynyl-2-deoxyuridine (EdU) and neuronal nuclear protein (NeuN). The proteins of kinase A (PKA), cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were assayed by western blotting. The level of BDNF mRNA was evaluated by RT-PCR. RESULTS: Compared with the model group, treatment with HT significantly promoted functional recovery in I/R injured rats (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). The generation of new neurons was increased in the HT groups. HT treatment for 3 days increased the level of BDNF mRNA in I/R injured rats. Expression of PKA, phosphorylated CREB, and BDNF were significantly (p < 0.05) increased with the 7-day HT treatment. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicated that HT treatment could promote functional recovery after stroke. HT enhanced the expression of BDNF and increased the level of neurogenesis in cerebral I/R animal, which might be associated with the functional recovery.

Biomimetic Synthesis of Resveratrol Trimers Catalyzed by Horseradish Peroxidase.

Biotransformation of trans-resveratrol and synthetic (±)-ε-viniferin in aqueous acetone using horseradish peroxidase and hydrogen peroxide as oxidants resulted in the isolation of two new resveratrol trimers (3 and 4), one new resveratrol derivative (5) with a dihydrobenzofuran skeleton, together with two known stilbene trimers (6 and 7), and six known stilbene dimers (8-13). Their structures and relative configurations were identified through spectral analysis and possible formation mechanisms were also discussed. Among these oligomers, trimers 6 and 7 were obtained for the first time through direct transformation from resveratrol. Results indicated that this reaction is suitable for the preparation of resveratrol oligomers with a complex structure.

Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors for Alzheimer's Disease Treatment Ameliorate Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Injury in Mice via Central Cholinergic System Regulation.

Acetaminophen (APAP) is widely used as an analgesic and antipyretic agent, but it may induce acute liver injury at high doses. Alzheimer's disease patients, while treated with acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (AChEI), may take APAP when they suffer from cold or pain. It is generally recognized that inhibiting acetylcholinesterase activity may also result in liver injury. To clarify whether AChEI could deteriorate or attenuate APAP hepatotoxicity, the effects of AChEI on APAP hepatotoxicity were investigated. Male C57BL/6J mice were administrated with the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) blocker atropine (Atr), or classic α7 nicotine acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) antagonist methyllycaconitine (MLA) 1 hour before administration of AChEIs-donepezil (4 mg/kg), rivastigmine (2 mg/kg), huperzine A (0.2 mg/kg), or neostigmine (0.15 mg/kg)-followed by APAP (300 mg/kg). Eight hours later, the mice were euthanized for histopathologic examination and biochemical assay. The results demonstrated that the tested AChEIs, excluding neostigmine, could attenuate APAP-induced liver injury, accompanied by reduced reactive oxygen species formation, adenosine triphosphate and cytochrome C loss, c-Jun N-terminal kinase 2 (JNK2) phosphorylation, and cytokines. However, Atr or MLA significantly weakened the protective effect of AChEI by affecting mitochondrial function or JNK2 phosphorylation and inflammation response. These results suggest that central mAChR and α7nAChR, which are activated by accumulated acetylcholine resulting from AChEI, were responsible for the protective effect of AChEIs on APAP-induced liver injury. This indicates that Alzheimer's patients treated with AChEI could take APAP, as AChEI is unlikely to deteriorate the hepatotoxicity of APAP.

The activating transcription factor 3 protein suppresses the oncogenic function of mutant p53 proteins.

Mutant p53 proteins (mutp53) often acquire oncogenic activities, conferring drug resistance and/or promoting cancer cell migration and invasion. Although it has been well established that such a gain of function is mainly achieved through interaction with transcriptional regulators, thereby modulating cancer-associated gene expression, how the mutp53 function is regulated remains elusive. Here we report that activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) bound common mutp53 (e.g. R175H and R273H) and, subsequently, suppressed their oncogenic activities. ATF3 repressed mutp53-induced NFKB2 expression and sensitized R175H-expressing cancer cells to cisplatin and etoposide treatments. Moreover, ATF3 appeared to suppress R175H- and R273H-mediated cancer cell migration and invasion as a consequence of preventing the transcription factor p63 from inactivation by mutp53. Accordingly, ATF3 promoted the expression of the metastasis suppressor SHARP1 in mutp53-expressing cells. An ATF3 mutant devoid of the mutp53-binding domain failed to disrupt the mutp53-p63 binding and, thus, lost the activity to suppress mutp53-mediated migration, suggesting that ATF3 binds to mutp53 to suppress its oncogenic function. In line with these results, we found that down-regulation of ATF3 expression correlated with lymph node metastasis in TP53-mutated human lung cancer. We conclude that ATF3 can suppress mutp53 oncogenic function, thereby contributing to tumor suppression in TP53-mutated cancer.

ABTS as an Electron Shuttle to Enhance the Oxidation Kinetics of Substituted Phenols by Aqueous Permanganate.

In this study, it was, interestingly, found that 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline)-6-sulfonate (ABTS), a widely used electron shuttle, could greatly accelerate the oxidation of substituted phenols by potassium permanganate (Mn(VII)) in aqueous solutions at pH 5-9. This was attributed to the fact that these substituted phenols could be readily oxidized by the stable radical cation (ABTS(•+)), which was quickly produced from the oxidation of ABTS by Mn(VII). The reaction of Mn(VII) with ABTS exhibited second-order kinetics, with stoichiometries of ∼5:1 at pH 5-6 and ∼3:1 at pH 7-9, and the rate constants varied negligibly from pH 5 to 9 (k = (9.44 ± 0.21) × 10(4) M(-1) s(-1)). Comparatively, the reaction of ABTS(•+) with phenol showed biphasic kinetics. The second-order rate constants for the reactions of ABTS(•+) with substituted phenols obtained in the initial phase were strongly affected by pH, and they were several orders of magnitude higher than those for the reactions of Mn(VII) with substituted phenols at each pH. Good Hammett-type correlations were found for the reactions of ABTS(•+) with undissociated (log(k) = 2.82-4.31σ) and dissociated phenols (log(k) = 7.29-5.90σ). The stoichiometries of (2.2 ± 0.06):1 (ABTS(•+) in excess) and (1.38 ± 0.18):1 (phenol in excess) were achieved in the reaction of ABTS(•+) with phenol, but they exhibited no pH dependency.

Potassium Hexacyanoferrate (III)-Catalyzed Dimerization of Hydroxystilbene: Biomimetic Synthesis of Indane Stilbene Dimers.

Using potassium hexacyanoferrate (III)-sodium acetate as oxidant, the oxidative coupling reaction of isorhapontigenin and resveratrol in aqueous acetone resulted in the isolation of three new indane dimers 4, 6, and 7, together with six known stilbene dimers. Indane dimer 5 was obtained for the first time by direct transformation from isorhapontigenin. The structures and relative configurations of the dimers were elucidated using spectral analysis, and their possible formation mechanisms were discussed. The results indicate that this reaction could be used as a convenient method for the semi-synthesis of indane dimers because of the mild conditions and simple reaction products.

Phosphonate removal from discharged circulating cooling water using iron-carbon micro-electrolysis.

Phosphonate is a commonly used corrosion and scale inhibitor for a circulating cooling water (CCW) system. Its discharge could cause eutrophication of receiving waters. The iron-carbon (Fe/C) micro-electrolysis technology was used to degrade and remove phosphonate from discharged CCW. The influences of initial pH, Fe/C ratio (FCR) and temperature on phosphonate removal were investigated in a series of batch tests and optimized by response surface methodology. The quadratic model of phosphonate removal was obtained with satisfactory degrees of fitness. The optimum conditions with total phosphorus removal efficiency of 95% were obtained at pH 7.0, FCR of 1.25, and temperature of 45 °C. The phosphonate removal mechanisms were also studied. Phosphonate removal occurred predominantly via two consecutive reactive phases: the degradation of phosphonate complexes (Ca-phosphonate) and the precipitation of Fe/C micro-electrolysis products (PO4(3-), Ca²âº and Fe³âº).

[Diagnosis and treatment of subglottic mass（report of 5 cases）].

Subglottic masses is very rare. The clinical data of five cases of subglottic mass in our hospital from 2017 to 2022 were summarized, and their clinical manifestations, auxiliary examination findings, treatment plan and pathological features were analyzed. Among the 5 patients, 1 case was subglottic pleomorphic adenoma, 1 case was subglottic granuloma, 1 case was subglottic breast cancer metastasis, 1 case was subglottic primary adenoid cystic carcinoma, and 1 case was immunoglobulin G4-related disease. No recurrence was observed in the patients so far. Subglottic mass is easy to be missed. Therefore, when the lesion is suspected in this area, the examination of ear, nose and throat should be carried out systematically to detect the lesion early and improve the prognosis.

Evaporation-induced self-assembly of Janus pyramid molecules from fractal network to core-shell nanoclusters evidenced by small-angle X-ray scattering.

Self-assembly of nanoclusters (NCs) is an effective synthetic method for preparing functionalized nanomaterials. However, the assembly process and mechanisms in solutions still remain ambiguous owing to the limited strategies to monitor intermediate assembled states. Herein, the self-assembly process of amphiphilic molecule 4POSS-DL-POM (consisting of four polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes, a dendritic linker, and one polyoxometalate) by evaporation of acetone in a mixed acetone/n-decane solution is monitored by time-resolved synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). Scattering data assessments, including Kratky analysis, pair distance distribution function, and model fitting, track the self-assembly process of 4POSS-DL-POM from a fractal network to compact NCs, then to core-shell NCs, and finally to superlattice structure. The calculated average aggregation number of a core-shell NC is 11 according to the parameters obtained from core-shell model fitting, in agreement with electron microscopy. The fundamental understanding of the self-assembly dynamics from heterocluster into NCs provides principles to control building block shape and guide target aggregation, which can further promote the design and construction of highly ordered cluster-assembled functional nanomaterials.

[Analysis of the causes of cage subsidence after oblique lateral lumbar interbody fusion].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the cage subsidence after oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF) for lumbar spondylosis, summarize the characteristics of the cage subsidence, analyze causes, and propose preventive measures. METHODS: The data of 144 patients of lumbar spine lesions admitted to our hospital from October 2015 to December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 43 males and 101 females, and the age ranged from 20 to 81 years old, with an average of (60.90±10.06) years old. Disease types:17 patients of lumbar intervertebral disc degenerative disease, 12 patients of giant lumbar disc herniation, 5 patients of discogenic low back pain, 33 patients of lumbar spinal stenosis, 26 patients of lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis, 28 patients of lumbar spondylolisthesis with spondylolisthesis, 11 patients of adjacent vertebral disease after lumbar internal fixation, 7 patients of primary spondylitis in the inflammatory outcome stage, and 5 patients of lumbar degenerative scoliosis. Preoperative dual-energy X-ray bone mineral density examination showed 57 patients of osteopenia or osteoporosis, and 87 patients of normal bone density. The number of fusion segments:124 patients of single-segment, 11 patients of two-segment, 8 patients of three-segment, four-segment 1 patient. There were 40 patients treated by stand-alone OLIF, and 104 patients by OLIF combined with posterior pedicle screw. Observed the occurrence of fusion cage settlement after operation, conducted monofactor analysis on possible risk factors, and observed the influence of fusion cage settlement on clinical results. RESULTS: All operations were successfully completed, the median operation time was 99 min, and the median intraoperative blood loss was 106 ml. Intraoperative endplate injury occurred in 30 patients and vertebral fracture occurred in 5 patients. The mean follow-up was (14.57±7.14) months from 6 to 30 months. During the follow-up, except for the patients of primary lumbar interstitial inflammation and some patients of lumbar spondylolisthesis with spondylolisthesis, the others all had different degrees of cage subsidence. Cage subsidence classification:119 patients were normal subsidence, and 25 patients were abnormal subsidence (23 patients were gradeⅠ, and 2 patients were gradeⅡ). There was no loosening or rupture of the pedicle screw system. The height of the intervertebral space recovered from the preoperative average (9.48±1.84) mm to the postoperative average (12.65±2.03) mm, and the average (10.51±1.81) mm at the last follow-up. There were statistical differences between postoperative and preoperative, and between the last follow-up and postoperative. The interbody fusion rate was 94.4%. The low back pain VAS decreased from the preoperative average (6.55±2.2 9) to the last follow-up (1.40±0.82), and there was statistically significant different. The leg pain VAS decreased from the preoperative average (4.72±1.49) to the final follow-up (0.60±0.03), and the difference was statistically significant (t=9.13, P<0.000 1). The ODI index recovered from the preoperative average (38.50±6.98)% to the latest follow-up (11.30±3.27)%, and there was statistically significant different. The complication rate was 31.3%(45/144), and the reoperation rate was 9.72%(14/144). Among them, 8 patients were reoperated due to fusion cage subsidence or displacement, accounting for 57.14%(8/14) of reoperation. The fusion cage subsidence in this group had obvious characteristics. The monofactor analysis showed that the number of abnormal subsidence patients in the osteopenia or osteoporosis group, Stand-alone OLIF group, 2 or more segments fusion group, and endplate injury group was higher than that in the normal bone mass group, OLIF combined with pedicle screw fixation group, single segment fusion group, and no endplate injury group, and the comparison had statistical differences. CONCLUSION: Cage subsidence is a common phenomenon after OLIF surgery. Preoperative osteopenia or osteoporosis, Stand-alone OLIF, 2 or more segments of fusion and intraoperative endplate injury may be important factors for postoperative fusion cage subsidence. Although there is no significant correlation between the degree of cage subsidence and clinical symptoms, there is a risk of cage migration, and prevention needs to be strengthened to reduce serious complications caused by fusion of cage subsidence, including reoperation.

Protective effect of ginkgolide B against acute spinal cord injury in rats and its correlation with the Jak/STAT signaling pathway.

This study aimed to investigate the correlation between ginkgolide B (GB) and the JAK/STAT signaling pathway and to explore its regulating effect on secondary cell apoptosis following spinal cord injury (SCI), to elucidate the protective mechanism GB against acute SCI. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a sham-operated group, an SCI group, an SCI + GB group, an SCI + methylprednisolone (MP) group, and an SCI + specific JAK inhibitor AG490 group. A rat model of acute SCI was established using the modified Allen's method. At 4 h, 12 h, 1 day, 3 days, 7 days and 14 days after injury, injured T10 spinal cord specimens were harvested. GB significantly increased inclined plane test scores and Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan scale scores in SCI rats from postoperative day 3 to day 14. The effect was equal to that of the positive control drug, MP. Western blot analysis showed that JAK(2) was significantly phosphorylated from 4 h after SCI, peaked at 12 h and gradually decreased thereafter, accompanied by phosphorylation of STAT(3) with a similar time course. GB was shown to significantly inhibit the phosphorylation of JAK(2) and STAT(3) in rats with SCI. It significantly increased the ratio of B cell CLL/lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2)/Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) protein expression at 24 h, led to an obvious down-regulation of caspase-3 gene and protein expression at 3 days, and significantly decreased the cell apoptosis index at each time point after SCI. This effect was similar to that obtained with the JAK-specific inhibitor, AG490. Our experimental findings indicated that GB can protect rats against acute SCI, and that its underlying mechanism may be related to the inhibition of JAK/STAT signaling pathway activation, improvement of the Bcl-2/Bax ratio, decreased caspase-3 gene and protein expression and further inhibition of secondary cell apoptosis following SCI.

Significantly activated persulfate by novel carbon quantum dots-modified N-BiOCl for complete degradation of bisphenol-A under visible light irradiation.

The practical application of bismuth-based photocatalysts in the field of micropollutant photodegradation is limited due to their weak light absorption and rapid charge recombination. Herein, we have developed a novel carbon quantum dots-modified N-BiOCl (CDs-N-BiOCl) photocatalyst to activate persulfate (PS) for the complete elimination of endocrine-disruptor bisphenol A (BPA) under visible light irradiation. The photoelectric properties characterization shows that N atoms could replace Cl atoms or adsorb on Bi atoms to form local N 1s states in the BiOCl lattice, accompanied by the introduction of doping energy levels that shorten the electron migration distance. Meanwhile, the decorated CDs could effectively accept the photoinduced electrons from N-BiOCl conduction band to facilitate the charge separation. Thus, the 7%CDs-N-BiOCl (7CNB) nanocomposite synergistically activated PS realized rapid and effective degradation of BPA within 20 min (degradation efficiency and mineralization reached 100 % and 66.4 % respectively). Moreover, the 7CNB/PS system displayed favorable adaptability, durability, and interference resistance. Furthermore, the biotoxicity experiments demonstrated that the photodegradation intermediates promoted the growth of Escherichia coli which indicates its eco-friendliness for practical application. Finally, the electron transfer mechanism and the formation of reactive oxygen species in the photodegradation process were interpreted. In short, this work will present a promising strategy for bismuth-based photocatalysts to be used for the efficient treatment of real water bodies under visible light irradiation.

A comparative study of PSPVP and PSIBG in the treatment of stage II-III Kummell's disease.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) or percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) are commonly employed for Kummell's disease in stages II-III; however, these techniques produce some complications. OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical efficacy and imaging results of percutaneous vertebroplasty + bone cement-augmented short-segment pedicle screw fixation (PSPVP) versus transpedicular intracorporeal bone grafting + pedicle screw fixation (PSIBG) in the treatment of stage II-III Kummell's disease. METHODS: A total of 69 patients admitted between November 2017 and March 2021 were included in this study; 36 of these were treated with PSPVP, and 33 were treated with PSIBG. Patients in the two groups were compared in terms of perioperative, follow-up, and imaging data. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of operation duration (P > 0.05). However, the PSPVP group was superior to the PSIBG group in terms of incision length, intraoperative blood loss, and length of stay (P < 0.05). All patients were followed up for more than 12 months. The VAS score, height of anterior vertebral margin, kyphosis Cobb angle, wedge angle of the affected vertebra at seven days after surgery and last follow-up, and the ODI index at the last follow-up of the two groups were significantly improved compared with figures before surgery (P < 0.05). Compared with values before surgery, no statistically significant differences were found in the height of the posterior vertebral margin in the PSPVP group at seven days after surgery and at the last follow-up (P > 0.05). There were also no statistically significant differences in the VAS score, ODI index, kyphosis Cobb angle, and wedge angle of the affected vertebra between the two groups at corresponding time points (P > 0.05). The heights of the anterior and posterior vertebral margins in the PSIBG group were better than those in the PSPVP group after surgery and at the last follow-up (P < 0.05). In the PSPVP group, a pedicle screw fracture occurred in one patient two months after surgery, while an upper adjacent vertebral fracture occurred in one patient eight months after surgery. CONCLUSION: Both PSPVP and PSIBG can achieve good early clinical efficacy in the treatment of stage II-III Kummell's disease, with PSPVP being relatively less invasive while producing a poorer orthopedic effect and more complications than PSIBG.

Dual step-scheme heterojunction with full-visible-light-harvesting towards synergistic persulfate activation for enhanced photodegradation.

The occurrence of micropollutants in aquatic media raises great concern because of their biological toxicity and persistence. Herein, visible-light-driven photocatalyst titanium dioxide/graphitic carbon nitride/triiron tetraoxide (TiO2-x/g-C3N4/Fe3O4, TCNF) with oxygen vacancies (Ov) was prepared via a facile hydrothermal-calcination method. The complementary visible-light co-absorption among semiconductors enhances light-harvesting efficiency. The built-in electric field formed during Fermi level alignment drives photoinduced electron transfer to improve charge separation across the interfaces. The increased light-harvesting and favorable energy band bending significantly enhance the photocatalytic performance. Therefore, TCNF-5-500/persulfate system could effectively photodegrade bis-phenol A within 20 min under visible-light irradiation. Moreover, the superior durability, non-selective oxidation, adaptability, and eco-friendliness of the system were confirmed by different reaction conditions and biotoxicity assessment. Furthermore, the photodegradation reaction mechanism was presented according to the major reactive oxygen species produced in the system. Thus, this study constructed a dual step-scheme heterojunction by tuning visible-light absorption and energy band structure to increase the charge transfer efficiency and photogenerated carrier lifetime, which has great potential for environmental remediation using visible photocatalysis.

"Early Efficacy and Safety of Unilateral Biportal Endoscopic Lumbar Interbody Fusion Versus Minimal Invasive in the Treatment of Lumbar Degenerative Diseases".

STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE: To compare the early clinical efficacy and radiologic outcomes between unilateral biportal endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion (ULIF) and minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Along with the continuous development of endoscopic technology, the early safety and effectiveness of ULIF technology are still unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 61 patients who underwent fusion surgery through ULIF or MIS-TLIF in 2021. Twenty-nine patients underwent ULIF (group A), and 32 underwent MIS-TLIF (group B). Fusion rate, bone graft volume, hidden blood loss (HBL), C-reactive protein level, operative time, Oswestry Disability Index , Visual Analog Scale score, and MacNab criteria were assessed in both groups. RESULTS: The Visual Analog Scale score for back pain in the early postoperative period was significantly lower in group A than in group B ( P <0.05). All other clinical scores showed improvement, with no significant difference between the 2 groups ( P >0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative C-reactive protein levels and fusion rates between the 2 groups ( P >0.05). However, HBL was higher and operative time was longer in group A than in group B ( P <0.05). Most importantly, there were no statistically significant differences between groups A and B in fusion rate, length of stay and bone graft volume ( P >0.05). No serious surgical complications occurred in our study. CONCLUSIONS: ULIF is a new option for lumbar fusion. Despite the drawbacks of longer operation time and higher HBL, ULIF may be a viable alternative to MIS-TLIF as technology advances.