Efficient CuO/Ag2WO4 photoelectrodes for photoelectrochemical water splitting using solar visible radiation

Water splitting energy production relies heavily on the development of high-performance photoelectrochemical cells (PECs). Among the most highly regarded semiconductor materials, cupric oxide (CuO) is an excellent photocathode material. Pristine CuO does not perform well as a photocathode due to its tendency to recombine electrons and holes rapidly. Photocathodes with high efficiency can be produced by developing CuO-based composite systems. The aim of our research is to develop an Ag₂WO₄/CuO composite by incorporating silver tungstate (Ag₂WO₄) nanoparticles onto hydrothermally grown CuO nanoleaves (NLs) by successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR). To prepare CuO/Ag₂WO₄ composites, SILAR was used in conjunction with different Ag₂WO₄ nanoparticle deposition cycles. Physicochemical characterization reveals well-defined nanoleaves morphologies with tailored surface compositions. Composite CuO/Ag₂WO₄ crystal structures are governed by the monoclinic phase of CuO and the hexagonal phase of Ag₂WO₄. It has been demonstrated that the CuO/Ag₂WO₄ composite has outstanding performance in the PEC water splitting process when used with five cycles. In the CuO/Ag₂WO₄ photocathode, water splitting activity is observed at low overpotential and high photocurrent density, indicating that the reaction takes place at low energy barriers. Several factors contribute to PEC performance in composites. These factors include the high density of surface active sites, the high charge separation rate, the presence of favourable surface defects, and the synergy of CuO and Ag₂WO₄ photoreaction. By using SILAR, silver tungstate can be deposited onto semiconducting materials with strong visible absorption, enabling the development of energy-efficient photocathodes.

Identification of Risk Factors for Phlebitis in Patients Treated with Nafamostat Mesylate

The proteolytic enzyme inhibitor nafamostat mesylate is widely used for the treatment of acute pancreatitis and disseminated intravascular coagulation. This drug may be a risk factor for phlebitis, but this risk has not been studied. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the frequency of phlebitis and its risk factors in patients treated with nafamostat mesylate in intensive care units (ICU) or high care units (HCU). During the study period, 83 patients met the inclusion criteria, and 22 of them (27%) experienced phlebitis. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed for severe acute pancreatitis, administration duration, and administration concentration of nafamostat mesylate in the ICU or HCU. As a result, the administration of nafamostat mesylate for ≥ 3 days in the ICU or HCU was an independent predictor of phlebitis caused by nafamostat mesylate (odds ratio, 10.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.28-82.5; p=0.03). This study suggests that the number of days of nafamostat mesylate administration is associated with phlebitis in patients treated with the drug, and it may be necessary to pay attention to its administration for ≥ 3 days in the ICU or HCU.

Factors Determining the Efficacy of Recombinant Human Thrombomodulin in the Treatment of Sepsis-Induced Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation

Recombinant human thrombomodulin (rhTM) is an anti-coagulant used to treat disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). The efficacy of rhTM in patients with sepsis-induced DIC has been proved in some clinical trials, but the determining factors are not known. The aim of this study was to identify patients for whom rhTM will be effective and the factors that determine rhTM efficacy in alleviating DIC. A single-center, retrospective, observational study was conducted in patients with sepsis-induced DIC who were treated with rhTM in Okayama Saiseikai General Hospital (Okayama, Japan) between January 2010 and December 2019. Among 67 patients who were treated with rhTM, DIC was resolved in 24 patients. The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age (odds ratio (OR) 1.05; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.00-1.10; p < 0.05) and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II scores (OR 0.88; 95% CI 0.78-0.98; p < 0.05) were factors that determined rhTM efficacy in alleviating DIC. Overall, our study provides valuable information on factors that should be considered before rhTM administration to patients with sepsis-induced DIC for a better management of healthcare costs.