Catalytic reduction of nitrogen monoxide using iron-nickel oxygen carriers derived from electroplating sludge: Novel method for the collaborative emission decrease of polluting gases

The valorization of electroplating sludge (ES) for high added value presents greater economic and environmental benefits than conventional treatment methods such as thermal processing, solidification, and landfill. Inspired by the mechanism of chemical looping combustion (CLC), this study developed a novel cost-effective method for denitrification by preparing FeNi-OCs from ES to achieve the synergistic reduction of CO and NO emissions. The phase structure, micromorphology, and valence state changes of the FeNi-OC catalyst during the CO-catalyzed reduction of NO and the pathway for catalytic denitrification using FeNi-OCs were analyzed. Results showed that CO could reduce FeNi-OCs to FeNi, and the reduced FeNi was subsequently oxidized back to FeNi-OCs by NO, a process analogous to CLC. During experiments, the simultaneous consumption of CO and NO gases was observed at 350 °C. This phenomenon was highly pronounced at 600 °C, where the CO and NO concentrations decreased from initial values of 8550 and 470 ppm, respectively, to 6719 and 0 ppm, respectively, with conversion rates of 21.41 % and 100 %, respectively. Hence, synergistic emission reduction was achieved. Further experiments also indicated that the addition of 1.5 % ES during iron ore sintering could substantially reduce the CO and NO concentrations in the sintering flue gas from 1268.32 and 244.81 ppm, respectively, to 974.51 and 161.11 ppm, respectively.

Research progress in the degradation of printing and dyeing wastewater using chitosan based composite photocatalytic materials

The surge in economic growth has spurred the expansion of the textile industry, resulting in a continuous rise in the discharge of printing and dyeing wastewater. In contrast, the photocatalytic method harnesses light energy to degrade pollutants, boasting low energy consumption and high efficiency. Nevertheless, traditional photocatalysts suffer from limited light responsiveness, inadequate adsorption capabilities, susceptibility to agglomeration, and hydrophilicity, thereby curtailing their practical utility. Consequently, integrating appropriate carriers with traditional photocatalysts becomes imperative. The combination of chitosan and semiconductor materials stands out by reducing band gap energy, augmenting reactive sites, mitigating carrier recombination, bolstering structural stability, and notably advancing the photocatalytic degradation of printing and dyeing wastewater. This study embarks on an exploration by initially elucidating the technical principles, merits, and demerits of prevailing printing and dyeing wastewater treatment methodologies, with a focal emphasis on the photocatalytic approach. It delineates the constraints encountered by traditional photocatalysts in practical scenarios. Subsequently, it comprehensively encapsulates the research advancements and elucidates the reaction mechanisms underlying chitosan based composite materials employed in treating printing and dyeing wastewater. Finally, this work casts a forward-looking perspective on the future research trajectory of chitosan based photocatalysts, particularly in the realm of industrial applications.

Low-temperature CeCoMnOx spinel-type catalysts prepared by oxalate co-precipitation for selective catalytic reduction of NO using NH3: A structure-activity relationship study

CeCoMnOx spinel-type catalysts for the selective catalytic reduction of NO using NH3 (NH3-SCR) are usually prepared by alkaline co-precipitation. In this paper, a series of CeCoMnOx spinel-type catalysts with different calcination temperatures were prepared by acidic oxalate co-precipitation. The physicochemical structures and NH3-SCR activities of the CeCoMnOx spinel-type catalysts prepared by oxalate co-precipitation and conventional ammonia co-precipitation were systematically compared. The results show that the CeCoMnOx spinel-type catalysts prepared by the oxalate precipitation method (CeCoMnOx-C) have larger specific surface area, more mesopores and surface active sites, stronger redox properties and adsorption activation properties than those prepared by the traditional ammonia co-precipitation method at 400 °C (CeCoMnOx-N-400), and thus CeCoMnOx-C have better low-temperature NH3-SCR performance. At the same calcination temperature of 400 °C, the NO conversion of CeCoMnOx-C-400 exceeds 89 % and approaches 100 % within the reaction temperature of 100-125 °C, which is 14.8 %-2.5 % higher than that of CeCoMnOx-N-400 at 100-125 °C. In addition, the enhanced redox and acid cycle matching mechanisms on the CeCoMnOx-C surface, as well as the enhanced monoadsorption Eley-Rideal (E-R) and double adsorption Langmuir-Hinshelwood (L-H) reaction mechanisms, are also derived from XPS and in situ DRIFTS characterization.

Epidemiological impact of a large number of false negative SARS-CoV-2 test results in South West England during September and October 2021

During September and October 2021, a substantial number of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests in England processed at a single laboratory were incorrectly reported as negative. We estimate the number of false negative test results issued and investigate the epidemiological impact of this incident. We estimate the number of COVID-19 cases that would have been reported had the sensitivity of the laboratory test procedure not dropped for the period 2 September to 12 October. In addition, by making comparisons between the most affected local areas and comparator populations, we estimate the number of additional infections, cases, hospitalisations and deaths that could have occurred as a result of increased transmission due to false negative test results.We estimate that around 39,000 tests may have been false negatives during this period and, as a direct result of this incident, the most affected areas in the South-West of England could have experienced between 6000 and 34,000 additional reportable cases, with a central estimate of around 24,000 additional reportable cases. Using modelled relationships between key variables, we estimate that this central estimate could have translated to approximately 55,000 additional infections.Each false negative likely led to around 1.5 additional infections. The incident is likely to have had a measurable impact on cases and infections in the affected areas in the South-West of England. IMPACT STATEMENT: These results indicate the significant negative impact of incorrect testing on COVID outcomes; and make a substantial contribution to understanding the impact of testing systems and the need to ensure high accuracy in testing and reporting of results.

[The mechanism of NRF2 inhibiting ROS induced autophagy to reduce ovarian granulosa cells damage]

This study explores the effects and possible mechanisms of nuclear factor E2 related factor 2 (NRF2) on ovarian granulosa cells, providing a scientific basis to prevent premature ovarian failure. An ovarian cell injury model was constructed by treating human ovarian granulosa cell (KGN cell) with 4-Vinylcyclohexene dioxide (VCD). Firstly, KGN cells were treated with different concentrations of VCD, and cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) was used to detect ovarian cell proliferation. After determining IC50 by CCK8, the levels of estradiol and progesterone in the cell supernatant were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay kit was used to detect the content of ROS in ovarian cells, real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression level of NRF2, and Western blot was used to detect the protein expression level of NRF2. Further, NRF2 silence (siNRF2) and overexpression (NRF2-OE) cell models were constructed through lentivirus transfection, and the effects of regulating NRF2 on VCD treated cell models were investigated by detecting hormone levels, oxidative stress indicators (ROS, SOD, GSH-Px), and autophagy (LC3B level). The results showed that VCD intervention inhibited the proliferation of ovarian granulosa cells in a time-dependent and dose-dependent manner (F>100, P<0.05), with an IC50 of 1.2 mmol/L at 24 hours. After VCD treatment, the level of estradiol in the cell supernatant decreased from (56.32±10.18) ng/ml to (24.59±8.75) ng/ml (t=5.78, P<0.05). Progesterone decreased from (50.25±7.03) ng/ml to (25.13±6.67) ng/ml (t=6.54, P<0.05). After VCD treatment, the SOD of cells decreased from (44.47±7.71) ng/ml to (30.92±4.97) ng/ml (t=3.61, P<0.05). GSH-Px decreased from (68.51±10.17) ng/ml to (35.19±6.59) ng/ml (t=5.73, P<0.05). Simultaneously accompanied by an increase in autophagy and a decrease in NRF2. This study successfully constructed KGN cell models that silenced NRF2 and overexpressed NRF2. Subsequently, this study treated each group of cells with VCD and found that the cell proliferation activity of the siNRF2 group was significantly reduced (t=8.37, P<0.05), while NRF2-OE could reverse the cell activity damage caused by VCD (t=3.37, P<0.05). The siNRF2 group had the lowest level of estradiol (t=5.78, P<0.05), while NRF2-OE could reverse the decrease in cellular estradiol levels caused by VCD (t=5.58, P<0.05). The siNRF2 group had the lowest progesterone levels (t=3.02, P<0.05), while NRF2-OE could reverse the decrease in cellular progesterone levels caused by VCD (t=2.41, P<0.05). The ROS level in the siNRF2 group was the highest (t=2.86, P<0.05), NRF2-OE could reverse the increase in ROS caused by VCD (t=3.14, P<0.05), the SOD enzyme content in the siNRF2 group was the lowest (t=2.98, P<0.05), and NRF2-OE could reverse the decrease in SOD enzyme content caused by VCD (t=4.72, P<0.05). The GSH-Px enzyme content in the siNRF2 group was the lowest (t=3.67, P<0.05), and NRF2-OE could reverse the decrease in antioxidant enzyme content caused by VCD (t=2.71, P<0.05). The LC3B level was highest in the siNRF2 group (t=2.45, P<0.05), and NRF2-OE was able to reverse the LC3B elevation caused by VCD (t=9.64, P<0.05). In conclusion, NRF2 inhibits ROS induced autophagy, thereby playing a role in reducing ovarian granulosa cell damage, which may be a potential target for premature ovarian failure.

Can microplastics and disinfectant resistance genes pose conceivable threats to water disinfection process?

Microplastic pollution in the environment has aroused widespread concerns, however, the potential environmental risks caused by excessive use of disinfectants are still unknown. Disinfectants with doses below the threshold can enhance the communication of resistance genes in pathogenic microorganisms, promoting the development and spread of antimicrobial activity. Problematically, the intensification of microplastic pollution and the increase of disinfectant consumption will become a key driving force for the growth of disinfectant resistance bacteria (DRB) and disinfectant resistance genes (DRGs) in the environment. Disinfection plays a crucial role in ensuring water safety, however, the presence of microplastics and DRGs seriously disturb the water disinfection process. Microplastics can reduce the concentration of disinfectant in the local environment around microorganisms and improve their tolerance. Microorganisms can improve their resistance to disinfectants or generate resistance genes via phenotypic adaptation, gene mutations, and horizontal gene transfer. However, very limited information is available on the impact of DRB and DRGs on disinfection process. In this paper, the contribution of microplastics to the migration and transmission of DRGs was analyzed. The challenges posed by the presence of microplastics and DRGs on conventional disinfection were thoroughly discussed. The knowledge gaps faced by relevant current research and further research priorities have been proposed in order to provide a scientific basis in the future.

A novel approach for the resource utilization of zinc-bearing dust and sludge via the blast furnace main trough

Minimizing the environmental impact of zinc-bearing dust and sludge (ZDS) while efficiently extracting valuable metals from its intricate mix has become a pressing issue for steel mills. To facilitate comprehensive ZDS usage, we propose a novel approach for recycling ZDS in the blast furnace main trough. This work explores the self-reduction reaction principles of carbon-containing pellets derived from ZDS. Moreover, it examines the consequent alterations in the physical and chemical properties of molten iron and slag. The molten iron temperature inversely correlates with the number of added pellets; the temperature declines as more pellets are introduced. To restrict the molten iron's temperature decrease to within 30℃, it is advisable to limit the quantity of pellets added to 20 kg per ton of molten iron. At 1500℃, the self-reduction reaction of the pellet initiates 1.5 min post its introduction into the molten iron and concludes 12 min thereafter. The pellet mass percentage entering the molten iron is 32 %, whereas the mass percentage of iron elements within the pellet entering molten iron is 64 %. The pellet addition results in an uptick in blast furnace slag viscosity, yet it remains within an acceptable viscosity range (<1Pa·s).

Efficacy and safety of atropine in myopic children: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

PURPOSE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of atropine for childhood myopia and further explore the optimal concentration of atropine, so as to provide more reference for clinical application.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov were comprehensively searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) up to October 14, 2021. The efficacy outcomes were progression of spherical equivalent (SE) and axial length (AL). The safety outcomes included accommodation amplitude, pupil size and adverse effects. The meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.3.

RESULTS

Eighteen RCTs involving 3002 eyes were included. The results showed that at 6-36 months of treatment, atropine was effective in slowing the progression of myopia in children. At 12 months, the WMD of SE and AL of low-dose atropine was 0.25 diopters (D) and 0.1 millimeter (mm), moderate-dose atropine was 0.44 D and 0.16mm, high-dose atropine was 1.21 D and 0.82mm, respectively, compared with the control group. Similarly, at 24 months, low-dose atropine was 0.22 D and 0.14mm, moderate-dose atropine was 0.60 D, high-dose atropine was 0.66 D and 0.24mm, respectively. Interestingly, we also found that there was no significant difference in the effects of low-dose atropine on accommodation amplitude and photopic pupil size compared with the control group, and the rate of photophobia, allergy, blurred vision and other side effects was similar between the low-dose atropine group and the control group. In addition, atropine appears to be more effective in myopic children in China than in other countries.

CONCLUSIONS

Atropine in various concentrations can effectively slow myopia progression in children, and its effect is dose-dependent, while low-dose atropine (0.01% atropine) appears to be safer.

Recent advances in the research on effects of micro/nanoplastics on carbon conversion and carbon cycle: A review

Massive production and spread application of plastics have led to the accumulation of numerous plastics in the global environment so that the proportion of carbon storage in these polymers also increases. Carbon cycle is of fundamental significance to global climate change and human survival and development. With the continuous increase of microplastics, undoubtedly, there carbons will continue to be introduced into the global carbon cycle. In this paper, the impact of microplastics on microorganisms involved in carbon transformation is reviewed. Micro/nanoplastics affect carbon conversion and carbon cycle by interfering with biological fixation of CO₂, microbial structure and community, functional enzymes activity, the expression of related genes, and the change of local environment. Micro/nanoplastic abundance, concentration and size could significantly lead to difference in carbon conversion. In addition, plastic pollution can further affect the blue carbon ecosystem reduce its ability to store CO₂ and marine carbon fixation capacity. Nevertheless, problematically, limited information is seriously insufficient in understanding the relevant mechanisms. Accordingly, it is required to further explore the effect of micro/nanoplastics and derived organic carbon on carbon cycle under multiple impacts. Under the influence of global change, migration and transformation of these carbon substances may cause new ecological and environmental problems. Additionally, the relationship between plastic pollution and blue carbon ecosystem and global climate change should be timely established. This work provides a better perspective for the follow-up study of the impact of micro/nanoplastics on carbon cycle.

Subcritical hydrothermal oxidation of semi-dry ash from iron ore sintering flue gas desulfurization: Experimental and kinetic studies

Realization of low temperature and high efficiency oxidation of CaSO₃ is the key to solve the issue of ecological hazards caused by semi-dry sintering flue gas desulfurization ash. The subcritical hydrothermal technology was employed for the oxidation of CaSO₃, achieving 89.83% of CaSO₃ at 180 °C, 2 MPa for 120 min with a solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:20. The macroscopic oxidation kinetics of CaSO₃ in the subcritical hydrothermal reaction system was investigated. A mathematical model was established, incorporating the intrinsic reaction, CaSO₃ dissolution, oxygen diffusion and CaSO₄ precipitation. It was concluded that the macroscopic oxidation of CaSO₃ was co-controlled by the oxygen diffusion and CaSO₄ precipitation. Subcritical hydrothermal technology promises not only higher efficiency, but more importantly, potentially "one-step" preparation of CaSO₄ whiskers, enabling cost-effective and high value-added resource utilization of the semi-dry FGD ash.

Synthesis of triethylenetetramine modified sodium alginate/CuS nanocrystal composite for enhanced Cr(VI) removal: Performance and mechanism

Photocatalysis has been widely used for the removal of hexavalent chromium from wastewater as an efficient and environmental friendly method. However, conventional photocatalysts generally exhibit poor adsorption properties toward Cr(VI), resulting in unsatisfactory performance in high concentrated wastewaters. In this study, we synthesized a novel composite material with high Cr(VI) adsorption ability by blending prepared CuS nanocrystals into triethylenetetramine modified sodium alginate for the enhanced photocatalytic removal of Cr(VI). Effect of CuS dosage, pH value, light source and intensity were discussed for the optimum Cr(VI) removal conditions. The synthesized composite has shown good adsorption performance toward Cr(VI) and the overall removal rate reached 98.99 % within 50 min under UV light irradiation with citric acid as hole scavenger. Adsorption isotherm, thermodynamics, and kinetics with corresponding model fitting were discussed, which suggested that the monolayer and chemical adsorption dominated the adsorption process. Characterization results indicated that amino and hydroxyl groups contributed electrons in the photocatalysis reaction for the reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III). CuS nanocrystals can enhance the surface charge and light absorbance ability of the composite, and the Cr(VI) removal was governed by electrostatic interaction and photo-induced redox reaction.

Carbonyl sulfur removal from blast furnace gas: Recent progress, application status and future development

Carbonyl sulfide (COS), a poisonous and harmful gas, is found in industrial gas products from various coal-firing processes. The emission of COS into the atmosphere contributes to aerosol particles that affect the global climate, posing a risk to climate change and population health. In recent years, the total amount of anthropogenic COS emissions has increased significantly, resulting in the prominent COS pollution problem and becoming a vital environmental issue. This review summarizes the research progress of removing COS from industrial gases. According to the characteristics of different industrial gas products, the COS removal mechanism and influence factors, as well as the advantages and disadvantages for various methods, are discussed, including oxidation, absorption/adsorption, hydrogenation, and hydrolysis. Although COS emission control technologies have attracted widespread attention, the progress of application in blast furnace gas purification has been extremely slow, insufficient and sporadic. To fill the gap, this work provides a timely review on blast furnace gas characteristics and application process of various methods for removing COS from blast furnace gas with varying compositions, and their challenges and future development. This work aims to provide guidance on how effective processes and techniques for removal of COS from blast furnace gas can be developed. This review emphasizes the desirability of direct COS removal from blast furnace gas compared to expensive terminal desulfurization technologies. Furthermore, the development of a new process for low-temperature COS removal from blast furnace gas based on a dual-functional catalyst of hydrolysis/adsorption is advocated.

Who are the real high-risk patients with pathological T2N0M0 non-small-cell lung cancer that can benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy?

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

•

ACT could not improve long-term survival in pT2N0M0 NSCLC in general.

•

ACT could only improve OS and DFS in pT2N0M0 NSCLC >4 cm.

•

ACT could not improve CSS in any subgroup of pT2N0M0 NSCLC.

•

For patients with other high-risk factors, ACT failed to improve long-term survival.

[Prevention and treatment of mucocutaneous adverse reactions associated with epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors]

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling is aberrantly overexpressed in many solid malignancies, making it an important target for anti-cancer biologic agents. Among them, epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFRIs), which have been widely used in clinical practice, include anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors. A proportion of patients treated with EGFRIs develop specific, dose-dependent skin toxicity such as papulopustular rash, paronychia, xerosis and itch. These side effects can cause physical and psychosocial discomfort that may result in dose reduction, discontinuance, or replacement of the current EGFRIs treatment. Correct diagnosis and treatment of these skin and mucosal adverse effects associated with EGFRIs is of great significance for the tertiary prevention of malignant tumors. A review on EGFRI-related mucocutaneous adverse reactions is presented here, focusing on the pathogenesis, the various clinical manifestations, the strategies for prevention and treatment of these conditions.

Mechanistic study of Cr (VI) removal by modified alginate/GO composite via synergistic adsorption and photocatalytic reduction

A novel composite material was prepared by blending graphene oxide into polyethyleneimine grafted sodium alginate. The synthesized material was investigated as adsorbent and photocatalyst for the removal of hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)) from aqueous solutions. The composite material has shown remarkable removal efficiency for Cr (VI) in high initial concentration solutions as the removal rate reached 86.16% and 99.92% for adsorption and photoreduction, respectively. We discovered experimentally that the adsorption was dominated via electrostatic interaction while the blending of GO could contribute in stimulating electrons for the photoreduction process. Moreover, the photoreduction can alter the surface charge of chromium species, thus electrostatic repulsion could regenerating the active sites of composite spontaneously. The conduction band energy was calculated as -2.04 eV, which proved that blending GO can narrow the bandgap of the composite material, thus enhance the light response and the photoreduction ability towards Cr (VI).

Modified anterior midline approach to treat hyperextension bicondylar tibial plateau fractures: Surgical technique and clinical experience with 18 cases

BACKGROUND

We evaluated the modified anterior midline approach and its efficacy for hyperextension bicondylar tibial plateau (HEBTP) fractures.

METHODS

From 2015 to 2019, 18 patients with HEBTP fractures with just little posterior cortical displacement were treated using the modified anterior midline approach. The operative protocols are fully described in this article, and the following parameters: articular step-off height (ASH), posterior tibial slope angle (pTSA), and medial tibial plateau angle (mTPA) were measured perioperatively and at the final follow-up. We also recorded the Rasmussen score and range of motion (ROM) to assess knee joint function at the final follow-up.

RESULTS

No complications, such as percutaneous nerve damage, infection, skin necrosis, and internal fixation breakage or loosening occurred perioperatively. The mean time for bony union was 13.7 weeks, and the mean preoperative ASH of the anterior cortex was 4.49 mm; this was restored to its normal height after surgery. The mean preoperative pTSA and mTPA were - 5.89° and 81.69°, respectively, compared with 3.89° and 87.91°, respectively, postoperatively. Comparing the postoperative and final follow-up radiographs, there were no significant differences in ASH, pTSA, and mTPA (P < 0.05). The average Rasmussen score was 27.2 (range, 23-29) at the final follow-up. Excellent results were achieved in 14 (77.8%) patients and good in 4 (22.2%) patients. The mean ROM in flexion was 123.2° and 2.9° in extension at the final follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggested that the modified anterior midline approach is a reasonable alternative for HEBTP fracture repair.

Interfacial Area Transport Equation for Bubble Coalescence and Breakup: Developments and Comparisons

Bubble coalescence and breakup play important roles in physical-chemical processes and bubbles are treated in two groups in the interfacial area transport equation (IATE). This paper presents a review of IATE for bubble coalescence and breakup to model five bubble interaction mechanisms: bubble coalescence due to random collision, bubble coalescence due to wake entrainment, bubble breakup due to turbulent impact, bubble breakup due to shearing-off, and bubble breakup due to surface instability. In bubble coalescence, bubble size, velocity and collision frequency are dominant. In bubble breakup, the influence of viscous shear, shearing-off, and surface instability are neglected, and their corresponding theory and modelling are rare in the literature. Furthermore, combining turbulent kinetic energy and inertial force together is the best choice for the bubble breakup criterion. The reviewed one-group constitutive models include the one developed by Wu et al., Ishii and Kim, Hibiki and Ishii, Yao and Morel, and Nguyen et al. To extend the IATE prediction capability beyond bubbly flow, two-group IATE is needed and its performance is strongly dependent on the channel size and geometry. Therefore, constitutive models for two-group IATE in a three-type channel (i.e., narrow confined channel, round pipe and relatively larger pipe) are summarized. Although great progress in extending the IATE beyond churn-turbulent flow to churn-annual flow was made, there are still some issues in their modelling and experiments due to the highly distorted interface measurement. Regarded as the challenges to be addressed in the further study, some limitations of IATE general applicability and the directions for future development are highlighted.

Erratum: Azimuthal Anisotropy of K_{S}^{0} and Λ+Λ[over ¯] Production at Midrapidity from Au+Au Collisions at sqrt[s]_{NN}=130 GeV [Phys. Rev. Lett. 89, 132301 (2002)]

This corrects the article DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.89.132301.

Erratum: Azimuthal Anisotropy at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider: The First and Fourth Harmonics [Phys. Rev. Lett. 92, 062301 (2004)]

This corrects the article DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.92.062301.

Influence of cerium doping on Cu-Ni/activated carbon low-temperature CO-SCR denitration catalysts

In this study, to evaluate the effects of two methods for activation of nitric acid, air thermal oxidation and Ce doping were applied to a Cu–Ni/activated carbon (AC) low-temperature CO-SCR denitration catalyst. The Cu–Ni–Ce/AC_0,1 catalyst was prepared using the ultrasonic equal volume impregnation method. The physical and chemical structures of Cu–Ni–Ce/AC_0,1 were studied using scanning electron microscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, CO-temperature programmed desorption (TPD) and NO-TPD characterisation techniques. It was found that the denitration efficiency of 6Cu–4Ni–5Ce/AC₁ can reach 99.8% at a denitration temperature of 150 °C, a GHSV of 30 000 h⁻¹ and 5% O₂. Although the specific surface area of the AC activated by nitric acid was slightly lower than that activated by air thermal oxidation, the pore structure of the AC activated by nitric acid was more developed, and the number of acidic oxygen-containing functional groups was significantly increased. Ce metal ions were inserted into the graphite microcrystalline structure of AC, splitting it into smaller graphene fragments, whereby the dispersibility of Cu and Ni was improved. In addition, many reaction units were formed on the catalyst surface, which could adsorb more CO and NO reaction gases. With the increase in Ce doping, the relative proportions of Cu²⁺/Cuⁿ⁺, Ni³⁺/Niⁿ⁺ and surface adsorbed oxygen (Oα) in the Cu–Ni–Ce/AC_0,1 catalyst increased. In addition, after the introduction of Ce into Cu–Ni/AC, the amount of weak and medium acids significantly increased. This may be due to the Ce species or its influence on the Cu/Ni species. Further, the active sites of the acid were more exposed. According to the results of the study, a composite metal oxide CO-SCR denitration mechanism is proposed. Through the oxidation–reduction reaction between the metals, the reaction gas of CO and NO is adsorbed and the incoming O₂ is converted into (Oα), which promotes the conversion of NO into NO₂. The CO-SCR reaction is accelerated, and the rate of low-temperature denitration was increased. Overall, the results of this study will provide theoretical support for the research and development of low-temperature denitration catalysts for sintering flue gas in iron and steel enterprises.

In the process of denitrification, the reaction between NO and CO (NO + CO → N₂ + CO₂) occurs. There will be a redox reaction between copper, nickel and cerium (Cu²⁺ + Ce³⁺ → Cu⁺ + Ce⁴⁺, Ni³⁺ + Ce³⁺ → Ni²⁺ + Ce⁴⁺).

[Exenatide promotes cholesterol efflux in pancreatic tissue of obese diabetic rats]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of exenatide on the expression of ABCA1 and cholesterol metabolism in the pancreas of obese diabetic rats.

OBJECTIVE

Twenty-four normal male SD rats and 18 obese diabetic rats (induced by high-fat feeding and STZ injection) were both divided equally into 2 groups for injections of saline or exenatide. After treatment for a week, the expression of ABCA1, cholesterol metabolism, and islet function of the rats were examined using real-time PCR, Western blotting, oil red O staining, cholesterol content determination, and HE staining.

OBJECTIVE

The expressions of ABCA1 at both mRNA and protein levels in pancreatic tissue were significantly lower in obese diabetic rats than in normal SD rats. The obese diabetic rats showed obvious lipid deposition and increased cholesterol content in the pancreatic tissue with significantly reduced islet volume and structural changes (P < 0.05); exenatide treatment of the diabetic rats significantly up-regulated ABCA1 expression, reduced lipid deposition and cholesterol content in pancreatic tissue, and increased number and volume of the islets, which presented with more orderly alignment (P < 0.05).

OBJECTIVE

Obese diabetic rats have lowered ABCA1 expression, cholesterol efflux block, and cholesterol accumulation in the pancreatic tissue. Exenatide can up-regulate ABCA1 expression and promote cholesterol efflux to reduce cholesterol content in the pancreatic tissue and improve islet function in obese diabetic rats.

LncRNA HOTTIP promotes proliferation and inhibits apoptosis of gastric carcinoma cells via adsorbing miR-615-3p

OBJECTIVE

To explore the role of long-noncoding ribonucleic acid HOXA transcript at the distal tip (lncRNA HOTTIP) in the proliferation and apoptosis of gastric carcinoma cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The expressions of lncRNA HOTTIP in gastric carcinoma cell lines MGC-803, HGC-27, SNU-1, and SGC-7901 and normal gastric mucosa cell line RGM-1 were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and compared. The effects of lncRNA HOTTIP on proliferation and apoptosis of gastric carcinoma cells were detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation assay, and flow cytometry, respectively. StarBase v2.0 website was adopted to predict the relationship between lncRNA HOTTIP and target miRNAs. Dual-Luciferase reporter assay was performed to verify the sponge effect of lncRNA HOTTIP on miR-615-3p. CCK-8 experiment was conducted to detect its effect on proliferation of gastric carcinoma cells after co-silencing lncRNA HOTTIP and miR-615-3p.

RESULTS

LncRNA HOTTIP was highly expressed in gastric carcinoma cell lines MGC-803, HGC-27, SNU-1, and SGC-7901 than in normal gastric mucosa cell line RGM-1. After knockdown of lncRNA HOTTIP, the proliferation function of gastric carcinoma cells was markedly weakened, and the proportion of apoptotic cells increased. LncRNA HOTTIP was able to adsorb miR-615-3p via a sponge effect. Notably, knockdown of miR-615-3p restored the effect of silenced lncRNA HOTTIP on the proliferation function of gastric carcinoma cells.

CONCLUSIONS

LncRNA HOTTIP is highly expressed in gastric carcinoma cells. It affects cell proliferation and apoptosis in gastric carcinoma by adsorbing miR-615-3p via a sponge effect.

Effect of Calcination Temperature on the Activation Performance and Reaction Mechanism of Ce-Mn-Ru/TiO2 Catalysts for Selective Catalytic Reduction of NO with NH3

In this study, anatase TiO₂-supported cerium, manganese, and ruthenium mixed oxides (CeO _x -MnO _x -RuO _x /TiO₂; CMRT catalysts) were synthesized at different calcination temperatures via conventional impregnation methods and used for selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NO _x with NH₃. The effect of calcination temperature on the structure, redox properties, activation performance, surface-acidity properties, and catalytic properties of the CMRT catalysts was investigated. The results show that the CMRT catalyst calcined at 350 °C exhibits the most efficient low-temperature (<120 °C) denitration activity. Moreover, the selective catalytic oxidation (SCO) reaction of ammonia is intensified when the reaction temperature is >200 °C, which leads to a decrease in the N₂ selectivity of the CMRT catalysts and further results in an increase in the production of NO and N₂O byproducts. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy show that the CMRT catalyst calcined at 350 °C contains more Ce⁴⁺, Mn⁴⁺, Ru⁴⁺, and lattice oxygen, which greatly improve the catalyst's ability to activate NO that promotes the NH₃-SCR reaction. The Ru ⁿ⁺ sites of the CMRT catalyst calcined at 250 °C are the competitive adsorption sites of NO and NH₃ molecules, while those of the CMRT catalyst calcined at 350 and 450 °C are active sites. Both the Langmuir-Hinshelwood (L-H) mechanism and the Eley-Rideal (E-R) mechanism occur on the surface of the CMRT catalyst at the low reaction temperature (100 °C).

Treatment outcomes of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation versus adrenalectomy for adrenal metastases: a retrospective comparative study

PURPOSE

To retrospectively evaluate the clinical outcomes of percutaneous ultrasound (US)-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in treatment of adrenal metastasis (AM), and to compare with adrenalectomy (Adx).

METHODS

From June 2008 to August 2018, a total of 60 patients with AM treated at our hospital were retrospectively reviewed, of whom 29 treated by RFA (RFA group) and 31 by Adx (Adx group). The technical success, local tumor progression (LTP) and overall survival (OS) after the treatment were evaluated and compared.

RESULTS

In RFA group, the first technical success was 72.4% and the second technical success was 86.2%. In Adx group, all the AMs were successfully resected. After 24.5 ± 19.1 months follow-up period, a total of 8 patients (6 in RFA group and 2 in Adx group) were detected LTP. The 1-, 2- and 3- LTP rates after treatment were 17.1%, 30.9% and 44.7% in RFA group, and 6.5%, 6.5% and 6.5% in Adx group, respectively (P = 0.028). However, for AM ≤ 5 cm, the LTP between the two groups were comparable (P = 0.068). The 1-, 2- and 3- OS rates after treatment for AM were 85.0%, 42.4% and 27.8% in RFA group, and 93.0%, 66.1% and 52.3% in Adx group, respectively (P = 0.057). RFA offered shorter treatment time (23.6 ± 16.9 vs. 155.6 ± 58.8 min, P < 0.001), shorter hospital stay (7.8 ± 3.9 vs. 15.0 ± 4.9 days, P < 0.001), and lower hospital cost ($3405.7 ± 1067.8 vs. $5248.0 ± 2261.3, P = 0.003) than Adx.

CONCLUSION

In comparison with Adx, percutaneous US-guided RFA, as an alternative treatment, is feasible and effective in controlling AM, especially in AM ≤ 5 cm in diameter.

CGRP Modulates Orofacial Pain through Mediating Neuron-Glia Crosstalk

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) plays a crucial role in the modulation of orofacial pain, and we hypothesized that CGRP mediated a neuron-glia crosstalk in orofacial pain. The objective of this study was to elucidate the mechanisms whereby CGRP mediated trigeminal neuron-glia crosstalk in modulating orofacial pain. Orofacial pain was elicited by ligating closed-coil springs between incisors and molars. Trigeminal neurons and satellite glial cells (SGCs) were cultured for mechanistic exploration. Gene and protein expression were determined through immunostaining, polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot. Orofacial pain was evaluated through the rat grimace scale. Our results revealed that the expressions of CGRP were elevated in both trigeminal neurons and SGCs following the induction of orofacial pain. Intraganglionic administration of CGRP and olcegepant exacerbated and alleviated orofacial pain, respectively. The knockdown of CGRP through viral vector-mediated RNA interference was able to downregulate CGRP expressions in both neurons and SGCs and to alleviate orofacial pain. CGRP upregulated the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase through the p38 signaling pathway in cultured SGCs. In turn, L-arginine (nitric oxide donor) was able to enhance orofacial pain by upregulating CGRP expressions in vivo. In cultured trigeminal neurons, L-arginine upregulated the expression of CGRP, and this effect was diminished by cilnidipine (N-type calcium channel blocker) while not by mibefradil (L-type calcium channel blocker). In conclusion, CGRP modulated orofacial pain through upregulating the expression of nitric oxide through the p38 signaling pathway in SGCs, and the resulting nitric oxide in turn stimulated CGRP expression through N-type calcium channel in neurons, building a CGRP-mediated positive-feedback neuron-glia crosstalk.

Identification of Vibrio alginolyticus virulent strain-specific DNA regions by suppression subtractive hybridization and PCR

AIMS

Vibrio alginolyticus was frequently isolated from diseased farmed fish in the coaster waters of Hainan Island over the past two decades. In this study, we attempted to identify candidates of virulent strain-specific DNA regions for this pathogen.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) and PCR were successively performed between the typical virulent strain and avirulent strain of V. alginolyticus, in which they shared 99·54% homology of 16S rDNAs. Out of 2873 subtracted clones, nine clones were finally indicated to harbour virulent strain-specific DNA fragments. The receivable functions of the major fragments in the nine clones were believed to encode methyl-accepting chemotaxis protein (n = 1), type VI secretion system-associated FHA domain protein TagH (n = 1), diguanylate cyclase (n = 1), AraC family transcriptional regulator (n = 1), ABC-type uncharacterized transport system permease component (n = 1) and hypothetical proteins (n = 4). Two hypothetical proteins contain several disordered regions.

CONCLUSIONS

Some specific DNA regions existed in the virulent strain of V. alginolyticus, and the SSH assay could be a highly sensitive method for identifying virulent regions in pathogens.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This report is the first to describe the identification of virulent strain-specific DNA regions in the V. alginolyticus genome, which is helpful in developing virulent strain-specific rapid detection methods and is a pivotal precondition for clarifying the molecular virulence mechanism of V. alginolyticus.

Protecting medical staff from skin injury/disease caused by personal protective equipment during epidemic period of COVID-19: experience from China

Linked articles: COVID‐19 SPECIAL FORUM. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2020; 34: e210–e216.

High-yield synthesis of Ce modified Fe-Mn composite oxides benefitting from catalytic destruction of chlorobenzene

Ce–Fe–Mn catalysts were prepared by an oxalic acid assisted co-precipitation method. The influence of Ce doping and calcination temperature on the catalytic oxidation of chlorobenzene (as a model VOC molecule) was investigated in a fixed bed reactor. The Mn₃O₄ phase was formed in Ce–Fe–Mn catalysts at low calcination temperatures (<400 °C), which introduced more chemisorbed oxygen, and enhanced the mobility of O atoms, resulting in an improvement of the reduction active of Mn₃O₄ and Fe₂O₃. Additionally, CeO₂ has strong redox properties, and Ce⁴⁺ would oxidize Mn^x+ and Fe^x+. Therefore, the interaction of Ce, Fe and Mn can improve the content of surface chemisorbed oxygen. As compared with Fe–Mn catalysts, the catalytic conversion of chlorobenzene over Ce(5%)–Fe–Mn-400 was about 99% at 250 °C, owing to high specific surface area, Mn₃O₄ phase, and Ce doping. However, with the increase in roasting temperature, the performance of the catalysts for the catalytic combustion of chlorobenzene was decreased, which probably accounts for the formation of the Mn₂O₃ phase in Ce–Fe–Mn-500 catalysts, leading to a decrease in the specific surface area and concentration of chemically adsorbed oxygen. As a result, it can be expected that the Ce–Fe–Mn catalysts are effective and promising catalysts for chlorobenzene destruction.

Ce–Fe–Mn catalysts were prepared by an oxalic acid assisted co-precipitation method.

Association between rs12742784 polymorphism and hip fracture, bone mineral density, and EPHB2 mRNA expression levels in elderly Chinese women

Objective: This study aimed to determine the association between rs12742784 polymorphism in the non-coding area and hip fracture, bone mineral density (BMD), and EPHB2 mRNA expression levels in elderly Chinese women.Methods: We investigated 250 Chinese women (mean age: 63.5 ± 8.3 years) including 123 hip fracture patients and 127 non-fracture controls. All participants underwent clinical examination to meet the inclusion criteria. Lumbar and hip BMD were detected by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. rs12742784 polymorphism was determined by restriction fragment length polymorphism and EPHB2 mRNA expression levels were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction.Results: Distribution of rs12742784 genotypes agreed with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The frequency of the CT + TT genotype was significantly associated with decreased risk of hip fracture (adjusted odds ratio = 0.57, p < 0.01) after adjusting for age and body mass index, and with increased BMD and EPHB2 mRNA expression levels. The T allele of the rs12742784 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was a protective factor for hip fracture (adjusted odds ratio = 0.56, p < 0.01).Conclusion: rs12742784 polymorphism was associated with EPHB2 mRNA expression levels, BMD, and hip fracture in Chinese women. The T allele of the rs12742784 SNP was a protective factor for osteoporosis and hip fracture.

A Novel SCN9A Mutation (F826Y) in Primary Erythromelalgia Alters the Excitability of Nav1.7

BACKGROUND

Primary erythromelalgia (PE) is a dominant inherited disorder characterized by recurrent pain, redness, and warmth of the extremities that is caused by gain-of-function mutations in Nav1.7 encoding gene SCN9A. Most of the PE-causing mutations of Nav1.7 have been shown to be able to render Nav1.7-expressing cells hyperexcitable, however in most PE cases the symptoms are refractory to treatment with sodium channel blockers and the mechanism underlying the intractability has not been clearly clarified.

OBJECTIVE

To identify the mutation of SCN9A in a Chinese Han family with typical symptoms of PE and study the electrophysiological effect of the identified mutation.

METHODS

A Chinese Han family with typical symptoms of PE was collected and the proband's response to treatment was recorded. All the exons and flanking intronic sequences of SCN9A were amplified with PCR and sequenced. Several online programs were used to predict the damaging effect of variants. The functional effect of variants was studied by voltage-clamp analysis in CHO-K1 cells.

RESULTS

The PE symptoms of the proband are refractory to all kinds of reported medications. Sequence analysis of SCN9A showed that a novel c.2477T>A (p. F826Y) mutation co-segregated with the disease phenotype. Several online programs predicted that the F826Y mutation has a deleterious effect on the gene product. Voltage-clamp analysis showed that while compared with the wild-type channel, activation of the F826Y mutant channel was shifted by 7.7 mV in a hyperpolarizing direction, whereas steadystate inactivation was shifted by 4.3 mV in a depolarizing direction.

CONCLUSION

A novel disease-causing SCN9A Mutation (F826Y) was identified in a Chinese family with typical PE symptoms refractory to treatment. F826Y of Nav1.7 could render DRG neurons hyperexcitable, contributing to the pathogenesis of PE.

Thermodynamic method for establishment of relationship between icephobicity/superhydrophobicity and microstructure-Based on computing for adhesion work

Superhydrophobic surfaces (SHS) have potential in solving the icing of aircraft, high-voltage overhead transmission lines, and other power network devices exposed to the air. For this reason, we wish to establish the relationship between microstructure and the adhesion work by thermodynamic method, also for analysis of the relationship between the hydrophobicity and icephobicity (or anti-icing). Therefore, respectively considering Cassie-Baxter and Wenzel states, such relationship was theoretically established based on one/two-step surface model, enlightened by natural and artificial SHS. Among it, how to obtain the adhesion work of icing per unit ice-solid interface is the key to this study. Followed by it, hydrothermal experiment, chemical deposition, and etching methods were performed to verify our theoretical results.

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How to model for the SHS based on the natural and artificial SHS;

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Computation for adhesion work (w_aw) per unit area of a water droplet–SHS interface;

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Computation for adhesion work (w_ai) per unit area of a frozen water droplet–SHS interface;

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Computation for reduced adhesion work (w_a2) after icing;

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Hydrothermal experiment, chemical deposition and etching methods were used for validation of modeling.

The earliest human occupation of the high-altitude Tibetan Plateau 40 thousand to 30 thousand years ago

The Tibetan Plateau is the highest and one of the most demanding environments ever inhabited by humans. We investigated the timing and mechanisms of its initial colonization at the Nwya Devu site, located nearly 4600 meters above sea level. This site, dating from 40,000 to 30,000 years ago, is the highest Paleolithic archaeological site yet identified globally. Nwya Devu has yielded an abundant blade tool assemblage, indicating hitherto-unknown capacities for the survival of modern humans who camped in this environment. This site deepens the history of the peopling of the "roof of the world" and the antiquity of human high-altitude occupations more generally.