Selective electrocatalytic transformation of highly toxic phenols in wastewater to para-benzoquinone at ambient conditions

The selective transformation of organics from wastewater to value-added chemicals is considered an upcycling process beneficial for carbon neutrality. Herein, we present an innovative electrocatalytic oxidation (ECO) system aimed at achieving the selective conversion of phenols in wastewater to para-benzoquinone (p-BQ), a valuable chemical widely utilized in the manufacturing and chemical industries. Notably, 96.4% of phenol abatement and 78.9% of p-BQ yield are synchronously obtained over a preferred carbon cloth-supported ruthenium nanoparticles (Ru/C) anode. Such unprecedented results stem from the weak Ru-O bond between the Ru active sites and generated p-BQ, which facilitates the desorption of p-BQ from the anode surface. This property not only prevents the excessive oxidation of the generated p-BQ but also reinstates the Ru active sites essential for the rapid ECO of phenol. Furthermore, this ECO system operates at ambient conditions and obviates the need for potent chemical oxidants, establishing a sustainable avenue for p-BQ production. Importantly, the system efficacy can be adaptable in actual phenol-containing coking wastewater, highlighting its potential practical application prospect. As a proof of concept, we construct an electrified Ru/C membrane for ECO of phenol, attaining phenol removal of 95.8% coupled with p-BQ selectivity of 73.1%, which demonstrates the feasibility of the ECO system in a scalable flow-through operation mode. This work provides a promising ECO strategy for realizing both phenols removal and valuable organics recovery from phenolic wastewater.

Degradation of iopamidol in the permanganate/sulfite process: Evolution of iodine species and effect on the subsequent formation of disinfection by-products

Permanganate/sulfite (Mn(VII)/S(IV)) process is a promising pre-oxidation technology for sequestering the emerging organic contaminants in drinking water treatment plant. Iopamidol (IPM), a representative of iodinated X-ray contrast media, has been widely detected in water sources and has the risk of forming iodinated disinfection byproducts (I-DBPs) in water treatment system. In this study, we investigated the evolution of iodine species during the IPM degradation by the Mn(VII)/S(IV) process and its effect on the subsequent formation of I-DBPs during chlorination at pH 7.0 and 8.0. IPM could be effectively degraded in the Mn(VII)/S(IV) process at environmentally relevant pH (pH 7.0 and 8.0). The results of quenching and competitive oxidation kinetic experiments revealed that SO4·- was the major reactive oxidizing species contributing to the degradation of IPM whereas the contributions of HO· and reactive manganese species were negligible in the Mn(VII)/S(IV) process. I- and IO3- were generated while no HOI was detected during the degradation of IPM in the Mn(VII)/S(IV) process. The effects of IPM oxidation by Mn(VII)/S(IV) on the subsequent formation of chlorinated disinfection by-products (Cl-DBPs) during chlorination were related to the category of Cl-DBPs. The pre-oxidation of IPM by Mn(VII)/S(IV) resulted in the generation of I-DBPs during the disinfection process although no I-DBPs were detected if no pre-oxidation was applied. The finding of this study suggested that attention should be paid to the toxicity of DBPs when water containing iodinated organic contaminants is treated by Mn(VII)/S(IV) process or other pre-oxidation technologies.

China Alzheimer's Disease and Neurodegenerative Disorder Research (CANDOR) -A Prospective Cohort Study for Alzheimer's Disease and Vascular Cognitive Impairment

BACKGROUND

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) are the two main causes of dementia. AD and VCI share similar symptoms of cognitive decline and may be attributable to similar risk factors. Establishing a prospective cohort to compare VCI and AD would help to understand vascular risk factors related to dementia.

OBJECTIVES

China Alzheimer's disease and Neurodegenerative Disorder Research (CANDOR) study is a prospective multicenter cohort study. It aims to study the similarities and differences between AD and post stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) in neuroimaging changes, disease progression, and multiple omics studies.

DESIGN

This is an ongoing study. From July 31, 2019, to August 1, 2022, we recruited 1449 participants with ages between 40 and 100 years. The cohort included three groups: AD group, PSCI group, and normal cognitive (NC) group. Data were collected in face-to-face interviews at baseline, and will be followed up every year for 4 years. The PSCI group had additional follow-ups at 3-month and 6-month after enrollment. Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) included high-resolution sequences for intracranial arteries. Cognitive assessments and follow-up information will be prospectively collected. Biological specimens including blood and urine at baseline were collected and tested.

PARTICIPANTS

The targeted sample size of PSCI group was 500, AD group with 600 and NC group with 2000. There were 1449 participants enrolled. Include 508 participants were in NC group, 387 in AD group and 554 in PSCI group.

MEASUREMENTS

Demographics, clinical parameters, and medical examinations were collected and performed. Cognitive assessment was performed to assess all cognitive domains including memory, language, executive function, and orientation function.

CONCLUSIONS

The CANDOR study is a prospective cohort study. Data from this cohort provide us an opportunity to investigate the contribution of vascular factors to dementia pathogenesis.

Construction of Co1-x S Nanoparticles Embedding in N-Doped Amorphous Carbon@Graphene with Enhanced Li-Ion Storage

Cobalt sulfide is deemed a promising anode material, owing to its high theoretical capacity (630 mAh g-1 ). Due to its low conductivity, fast energy decay, and the huge volume change during the lithiation process limits its practical application. In this work, a simple and large-scale method are developed to prepare Co1-x S nanoparticles embedding in N-doped carbon/graphene (CSCG). At a current density of 0.2 C, the reversible discharge capacity of CSCG maintains 937 mAh g-1 after 200 cycles. The discharge capacity of CSCG maintains at 596 mAh g-1 after 500 cycles at the high current density of 2.0 C. The excellent performance of CSCG is due to its unique structural features. The addition of rGO buffered volume changes while preventing Co1-x S from crushing/aggregating during the cycle, resulting in multiplier charge-discharge and long cycle life. The N-doped carbon provides a simple and easy way to achieve excellent performance in practical applications. Combined with density functional theory calculation, the presence of Co-vacancies(Co1-x ) increases more active site. Moreover, N-doping carbon is beneficial to the improve adsorption energy. This work presents a simple and effective structural engineering strategy and also provides a new idea to improve the performance of Li-ion batteries.

[Clonal hematopoiesis and its evolution of myeloproliferative neoplasms]

The mutations of myeloproliferative neoplasma (MPN) mainly include driver mutations and non-driver mutations. The driver mutations mainly include JAK2 mutations, CALR mutations and MPL mutations and non-driver mutations mainly include ASXL1, DNMT3A, TET2, SF3B1, EZH2, TP53, SRSF2, USAF1, etc. Driver and non-driver mutations and their clonal evolution affect the thrombosis and disease transformation of MPN. Clonal hematopoiesis of MPN can occur decades before diagnosis, even in the fetal stage. After the emergence of clonal hematopoiesis, until the emergence and progression of MPN, gene mutation order, inflammation, interferon therapy affect the disease phenotype and clonal hematopoiesis of MPN. Although great progress has been made in the understanding of MPN clonal hematopoiesis and its evolution with the development of next-generation sequencing, there are still many limitations. In this study, we mainly discuss gene mutations of MPN and their influences on the thrombosis, leukemia and fibrosis transformation, and the influencing factors of clonal evolution, aiming to summarize the influence of clonal hematopoiesis and its evolution on the complications, prognosis and survival of MPN.

Boosting uniform nucleation and suppressing hydrogen evolution with an in-situ formed zinc hyaluronate protective film on zinc anodes

Developing long-cycle stable Zn-ion batteries encounters significant challenges associated with Zn anodes. To address these issues, we propose an interface engineering strategy using an artificial protective layer called zinc hyaluronate (ZH) on the Zn anode surface. The ZH film acts as a barrier, preventing direct contact between Zn anode and electrolyte, reducing hydrogen evolution and corrosion. Its carboxyl and hydroxyl groups create uniform and plentiful nucleophilic sites for Zn2+ ions, promoting uniform Zn deposition and suppressing dendrite growth. Remarkably, a Zn//Zn symmetric cell assembled with ZH-decorated Zn foil (Zn@ZH) exhibits outstanding cycle life, lasting 3600 h at a current density of 5 mA cm-2 and a capacity density of 5 mAh cm-2, much better than cells with pristine Zn anode. Even under extremely tough conditions of 10 mA cm-2 and 10 mAh cm-2, the battery life exceeds 1300 h. Furthermore, the Zn@ZH//V2O5 full cell demonstrates superior capacity retention compared to the Zn//V2O5 cell after 1000 cycles at a current density of 10 A g-1. These results highlight the benefits of the artificial protective layer strategy for advanced Zn anodes, providing insights into the underlying mechanism and promoting the development of high-performance aqueous zinc ion batteries.

Neutral Phenolic Contaminants Are Not Necessarily More Resistant to Permanganate Oxidation Than Their Dissociated Counterparts: Importance of Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer

Despite decades of research on phenols oxidation by permanganate, there are still considerable uncertainties regarding the mechanisms accounting for the unexpected parabolic pH-dependent oxidation rate. Herein, the pH effect on phenols oxidation was reinvestigated experimentally and theoretically by highlighting the previously unappreciated proton transfer. The results revealed that the oxidation of protonated phenols occurred via proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) pathways, which can switch from ETPT (electron transfer followed by proton transfer) to CEPT (concerted electron-proton transfer) or PTET (proton transfer followed by electron transfer) with an increase in pH. A PCET-based model was thus established, and it could fit the kinetic data of phenols oxidation by permanganate well. In contrast with what was previously thought, both the simulating results and the density functional theory calculation indicated the rate of CEPT reaction of protonated phenols with OH- as the proton acceptor was much higher than that of deprotonated phenols, which could account for the pH-rate profiles for phenols oxidation. Analysis of the quantitative structure-activity relationships among the modeled rate constants, Hammett constants, and pKa values of phenols further supports the idea that the oxidation of protonated phenols is dominated by PCET. This study improves our understanding of permanganate oxidation and suggests a new pattern of reactivity that may be applicable to other systems.

Iron(III)-(1,10-Phenanthroline) Complex Can Enhance Ferrate(VI) and Ferrate(V) Oxidation of Organic Contaminants via Mediating Electron Transfer

Recent research has primarily focused on the utilization of reductants as activators for Fe(VI) to generate high-valent iron species (Fe(IV)/Fe(V)) for the degradation of emerging organic contaminants (EOCs). However, a significant drawback of this approach arises from the reaction between reductants and ferrates, leading to a decrease in oxidation capacity. This study introduces a novel discovery that highlights the potential of the iron(III)-(1,10-phenanthroline) (Fe(III)-Phen) complex as an activator, effectively enhancing the degradation of EOCs by Fe(VI) and augmenting the overall oxidation capacity of Fe(VI). The degradation of EOCs in the Fe(VI)/Fe(III)-Phen system is facilitated through two mechanisms: a direct electron transfer (DET) process and electron shuttle action. The DET process involves the formation of a Phen-Fe(III)-Fe(VI)* complex, which exhibits a stronger oxidation ability than Fe(VI) alone and can accept electrons directly from EOCs. On the other hand, the electron shuttle process utilizes Fe(III)-Phen as a redox mediator to transfer electrons from EOCs to Fe(VI) through the Fe(IV)/Fe(III) or Fe(IV)/Fe(II)/Fe(III) cycle. Moreover, the Fe(III)-Phen complex can improve the utilization efficiency of Fe(V) by preventing its self-decay. This study's findings may present a viable option for utilizing an effective catalyst to enhance the oxidation of EOCs by Fe(VI) and Fe(V).

Green polyaspartic acid as a novel permanganate activator for enhanced degradation of organic contaminants: Role of reactive Mn(III) species

Attention has been long focused on enhancing permanganate (Mn(VII)) oxidation capacity for eliminating organic contaminants via generating active manganese intermediates (AMnIs). Nevertheless, limited consideration has been given to the unnecessary consumption of Mn(VII) due to the spontaneous disproportionation of AMnIs during their formation. In this work, we innovatively introduced green polyaspartic acid (PASP) as both reducing and chelating agents to activate Mn(VII) to enhance the oxidation capacity and utilization efficiency of Mn(VII). Multiple lines of evidence suggest that Mn(III), existing as Mn(III)-PASP complex, was generated and dominated the degradation of bisphenol A (BPA) in the Mn(VII)/PASP system. The stabilized Mn(III) species enabled Mn(VII) utilization efficiency in the Mn(VII)/PASP system to be higher than that in Mn(VII) alone. Moreover, the electrophilic Mn(III) species was verified to mainly attack the inclusive benzene ring and isopropyl group to realize BPA oxidation and its toxicity reduction in the Mn(VII)/PASP system. In addition, the Mn(VII)/PASP system showed the potential for selectively oxidizing organic contaminants bearing phenol and aniline moieties in real waters without interference from most of coexisting water matrices. This work brightens an overlooked route to both high oxidation capacity and efficient Mn(VII) utilization in the Mn(VII)-based oxidation processes.

In five wastewater treatment plants in Xinjiang, China: Removal processes for illicit drugs, their occurrence in receiving river waters, and ecological risk assessment

Residues of illicit drugs are frequently detected in wastewater, but data on their removal efficiency by wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and the ecological risks to the aquatic environment are lacking in this study. The research evaluates the residues, mass load, drug removal efficiency, and risk assessment of illicit drugs in WWTPs and aquatic environments (lakes) in Xinjiang, China. Initially, the concentration (incidence) and mass load of 10 selected illicit drugs were analyzed through wastewater analysis. The detected substances included methamphetamine (METH), morphine (MOR), 3,4-methylenedioxy methamphetamine (MDMA), methadone (MTD), cocaine (COC), benzoylecgonine (BE), ketamine (KET), and codeine (COD), with concentrations ranging from 0.11 ± 0.01 ng/L (methadone) to 48.26 ± 25.05 ng/L (morphine). Notably, morphine (59.74 ± 5.82 g/day) and methamphetamine (41.81 ± 4.91 g/day) contributed significantly to the WWTPs. Next, the drug removal efficiency by different sewage treatment processes was ranked as follows: Anaerobic-Oxic (A/O) combined Membrane Bio-Reactor (MBR) treatment process > Oxidation ditch treatment process > Anaerobic-Anoxic-Oxic (A2/O) treatment process > Anaerobic-Anoxic-Oxic combined Membrane Bio-Reactor treatment process. Finally, the research reviewed the concentration and toxicity assessments of these substances in the aquatic environment (lakes). The results indicated that Lake1 presented a medium risk level concerning the impact of illicit drugs on the aquatic environment, whereas the other lakes exhibited a low risk level. As a result, it is recommended to conduct long-term monitoring and source analysis of illicit drugs, specifically in Lake1, for further investigation. In conclusion, to enhance the understanding of the effects of illicit drugs on the environment, future research should expand the list of target analytes.

Unraveling the intrinsic mechanism behind the selective oxidation of sulfonamide antibiotics in the Mn(II)/periodate process: The overlooked surface-mediated electron transfer process

Mn(II) exhibits a superb ability in activating periodate (PI) for the efficient degradation of aqueous organic contaminants. Nevertheless, ambiguous conclusions regarding the involved reactive species contributing to the removal of organic contaminants remain unresolved. In this work, we found that the Mn(II)/PI process showed outstanding and selective reactivity for oxidizing sulfonamides with the removal ranging from 57.1% to 100% at pH 6.5. Many lines of evidence suggest that the in-situ formed colloidal MnO2 (cMnO2) served as a catalyst to mediate electron transfer from sulfonamides to PI on its surface via forming cMnO2-PI complex (cMnO2-PI*) for the efficient oxidation of sulfonamides in the Mn(II)/PI process. Experimental results and density functional theory (DFT) calculations verify that the inclusive aniline moiety was the key site determining the electron transfer-dominated oxidation of sulfonamides. Furthermore, DFT calculation results reveal that the discrepancies in the removal of sulfonamides in the Mn(II)/PI process were attributed to different kinetic stability and chemical reactivity of sulfonamides caused by their heterocyclic substituents. In addition, a high utilization efficiency of PI was achieved in the Mn(II)/PI process owing to the surface-mediated electron transfer mechanism. This work provides deep insights into the surface-promoted mechanism in the cMnO2-involved oxidation processes.

The Feasibility of Level Ib Sparing Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Patients with High-Risk Factors: Based on International Guideline

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

In spite of the rarity of level Ib recurrence after intensity-modulated radiation therapy, the International Guideline (IG) provides the risk factors for prophylactic coverage. In practice, however, there are significant differences between institutions. The purpose of this study is to examine the feasibility of sparing level Ib IMRT in NPC patients with high-risk factors based on IG.

MATERIALS/METHODS

From January 2014 to October 2017, newly-diagnostic, non-metastatic NPC patients in our center were retrospectively reviewed. According to the risk factors of prophylactic level Ib coverage in patients with negative level Ib recommended by IG, the characteristics of pre-treatment MRI were analyzed. Four high-risk factors were identified: a. involvement of the structures that drain to level Ib as first echelon (FES), including anterior half of nasal cavity, oral cavity, b. involvement of submandibular gland (SMG), c. with radiologic extranodal extension (rENE) in level II LNs, or d. maximal axial diameter (MAD)≧2 cm in level II LNs. Patients with risk factors were divided into Cohort A (with risk factors a), Cohort B (with risk factor b, but without a), and Cohort C (only with risk factors c and/or d). Recurrence rates of level Ib and regional relapse-free survival (RRFS) rates were evaluated in different cohorts.

RESULTS

A total of 961 patients were finally included. Thirty-six cases (3.7%) presented with radiologically positive level Ib metastasis. For the other patients with negative Ib LNs, there were 18, 65, 421, and 444 cases classified as FES involvement, SMG involvement, level II LNs with rENE, and level II nodal with MAD ≧2 cm. Excluding overlap, a total of 571 patients with risk factors were divided into three groups: Cohort A (n = 18), Cohort B (n = 49) and Cohort C (n = 504). Nine patients (9/961, 0.94%) developed level Ib recurrence. Except for 1 patient with positive Ib LNs at diagnosis, 2 did not meet any of the risk factors, while the other six (6/9, 66.7%) met at least one risk factor. The rate of recurrence at neck level Ib was highest in Cohort A (11.1%, 2/18; Ib-sparing group: 0/10, 0.0% vs Ib-covering group: 2/8, 25.0%; P = 0.183). In Cohort B, no cases were found with level Ib recurrence (0.0%, 0/49). In Cohort C, the rates were rare (0.8%, 4/504) in both groups (0.7%, 2/276 vs 0.9%, 2/228; P > 0.999). Among the three Cohorts, there were no significant differences in 5-year RRFS between two groups, which were 90.0% vs 62.5% (p = 0.248), 90.9% vs 92.0% (p = 0.905), and 92.6% vs 90.1% (p = 0.445), respectively. Among patients with high-risk factors, the incidence of grade 3-4 late dry mouth symptom was higher in the level Ib-covering group (3.1% vs 7.5%, P = 0.033).

CONCLUSION

Level Ib sparing appears safe and feasible for NPC patients with negative level Ib LNs, even if combined with risk factors: SMG involvement, and/or level II with rENE, and/or level II MAD ≧2 cm. Level Ib-sparing irradiation reduces dry mouth symptoms compared with level Ib-irradiation.

Unique T-cell Sub-Population Shifts after SBPT and Nivolumab in Platinum Refractory HNC: Biomarker Correlates from ROR1771

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

ROR1771 was a clinical trial investigating the use of stereotactic body proton radiotherapy (SBPT) and nivolumab in recurrent platinum refractory head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The planned analysis of T-cell subpopulation and biomarker response is herein presented.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Patients with metastatic histologically confirmed HNSCC from any primary site received 2 cycles of nivolumab followed by SBPT to 1-2 selected target lesion(s) (hilar/lung: 8 of 12 patients), followed by maintenance nivolumab. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated pre-/post-treatment. Flow cytometry identified T-cell subpopulations. Single Cell 5' Gene Expression (GEX) and V(D)J T Cell Receptor libraries were prepared using Single Cell Immune Profiling. Seurat (v4.1.1) was used to identify cell type clusters, and differential expression post-filtration was evaluated using the Wilcoxon Rank Sum test.

RESULTS

A total of 12 patients were eligible for analysis, with one alive at time of analysis, 52 months from start of treatment. Median overall survival here was 12.5 months vs. 7.5-months on CheckMate 141. SBPT ranged from 35-50 Gy. Sequential changes in T-cell populations from baseline were noted with initiation of nivolumab, driving decrease in tumor-reactive (TTR; CD11ahighPD1+CD8+), central memory (TCM; CCR7+CD45RA-), and effector T-cells (TEF; CCR7-CD45RA-). TTR and TCM increased following SBPT, with greatest increase (3.5x TTR and 5.2x TCM) in the surviving patient. An average of 68 genes with significant differential expression between timepoints (p<0.0001) demonstrated RNA gene expression changes across all cell subtypes, including ribosomal (RPL and RPS) genes, ACTB, FTL, MALAT1, and others. This averaged 113 genes across all timepoints in the surviving patient, with peak following nivolumab induction. On T-cell receptor (TCR) analysis of this patient, the predominant clonotype diversity changed substantially following nivolumab. Following SBPT, clonotype diversity again changed to include a milieu seen neither at baseline nor with nivolumab alone. These TCRs persisted for approximately 2 weeks following SBPT before returning to resemble the nivolumab-induced TCR diversity alone, coinciding with disease recurrence.

CONCLUSION

ROR1771 demonstrated overall survival favorably comparable to CheckMate 141. Biomarker analysis of peripheral blood samples demonstrated significant shifts in T-cell subpopulations and underlying gene expression to nivolumab and then to SBPT administration. SBPT to a target lesion changed TCR clonotypes within the peripheral blood beyond those seen with nivolumab administration, with fading of these TCR clonotypes coinciding with recurrence. SBPT in combination with nivolumab may drive systemic immunologic change above that induced by nivolumab alone and warrants further investigation.

[Association between volatile organic compounds and mortality risk of stroke]

Objective: To investigate the effect of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) exposure in the atmosphere on the risk of daily death from stroke in Guangzhou. Methods: Daily average concentrations of twelve atmospheric VOCs, meteorological factors, and daily deaths for stroke and its subtypes (including ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke) in Guangzhou from 2020 to 2021 were collected. The time-series Poisson generalized additive model was established to analyze the relationship between daily average concentrations of atmospheric VOCs and daily mortality from a stroke on different lag days. The season, gender, and age group further performed stratification analysis. Results: Toluene and n-pentane were associated with a higher mortality risk from stroke and its subtypes. For each interquartile range (IQR) increment in toluene concentration at lag0- 1 days, the RRs for mortality from stroke and hemorrhagic stroke were 1.060 (95%CI: 1.036-1.085) and 1.071 (95%CI: 1.030-1.113), respectively. For each IQR increment in n-pentane concentration, the RR for mortality from ischemic stroke was 1.064 (95%CI: 1.030-1.099). The effect estimates of VOCs may be higher during the cold season and among women and people aged ≥75 years. For each IQR increment in toluene concentration, the RRs for mortality risk of stroke in the cold season and women were 1.099 (95%CI: 1.056-1.143) and 1.085 (95%CI: 1.050-1.120), respectively. For n-pentane, the RR for death risk of stroke in people aged ≥75 years old was 1.072 (95%CI: 1.036-1.109). Results of sensitivity analysis showed that the effect estimates fluctuated less when PM2.5 and O3 were separately introduced for the two-pollutant model, as well as changing the degrees of freedom for covariates. Conclusions: This study suggests that VOCs may be an independent risk factor for daily mortality from stroke. Moreover, Toluene presented the most significant health impact.

Development and validation of a multiphase CT radiomics nomogram for the preoperative prediction of lymphovascular invasion in patients with gastric cancer

AIM

To develop a nomogram to predict lymphovascular invasion (LVI) in gastric cancer by integrating multiphase computed tomography (CT) radiomics and clinical risk factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and seventy-two gastric cancer patients (121 training and 51 validation) with preoperative contrast-enhanced CT images and clinicopathological data were collected retrospectively. The clinical risk factors were selected by univariate and multivariate regression analysis. Radiomic features were extracted and selected from the arterial phase (AP), venous phase (VP), and delayed phase (DP) CT images of each patient. Clinical risk factors, radiomic features, and integration of both were used to develop the clinical model, radiomic models, and nomogram, respectively.

RESULTS

Radiomic features from AP (n=6), VP (n=6), DP (n=7) CT images and three selected clinical risk factors were used for model development. The nomogram showed better performance than the AP, VP, DP, and clinical models in the training and validation datasets, providing areas under the curves (AUCs) of 0.890 (95% CI: 0.820-0.940) and 0.885 (95% CI:0.765-0.957), respectively. All models indicated good calibration, and decision curve analysis proved that the net benefit of the nomogram was superior to that of the clinical and radiomic models throughout the vast majority of the threshold probabilities.

CONCLUSIONS

The nomogram integrating multiphase CT radiomics and clinical risk factors showed favourable performance in predicting LVI of gastric cancer, which may benefit clinical practice.

[Analysis of curative effect and short-term survival rate of plasma exchange and double plasma molecular adsorption combined with half-volume plasma exchange in the treatment of liver failure]

Objective: To investigate how plasma exchange (PE) and double plasma molecular adsorption combined with half-volume plasma exchange (DPMAS + half-volume PE) affect the curative effect and short-term survival rate in liver failure. Methods: Data from 181 cases of liver failure caused by different etiologies from January 1, 2017 to September 31, 2020, were selected. Patients were divided into a PE treatment alone group and a DPMAS + half-dose PE treatment group. The laboratory indicators with different models of artificial liver before and after treatment and the survival rates of 7, 14, 28, and 90 days after discharge were observed in the two groups. Measurement data were analyzed by t-tests and rank sum tests. Categorical data were analyzed by χ (2) test. Results: Non-biological artificial liver therapy with different models improved the liver and coagulation function in the two groups of patients with liver failure (P < 0.05 in PTA% intra-group). The coagulation function was significantly improved in the PE treatment alone group compared with that in the DPMAS + half-dose PE group [PT after treatment: (20.15 ± 0.88) s in the PE treatment alone group, (23.43 ± 1.02) s, t = -2.44, P = 0.016 in the DPMAS+half-dose PE group; PTA: 44.72% ± 1.75% in the PE treatment alone group, 35.62% ± 2.25%, t = 3.215 P = 0.002 in the DPMAS + half-dose PE group]. Bilirubin levels were significantly decreased in the DPMAS+half-dose PE group compared to the PE treatment alone group [total bilirubin after treatment: (255.30 ± 15.64) μmol/L in the PE treatment alone group, (205.46 ± 9.03) μmol/L, t = 2.74, P = 0.07 in the DPMAS + half-dose PE group; direct bilirubin after treatment: (114.74 ± 7.11) μmol/L in the PE treatment alone group, (55.33 ± 3.18) μmol/L, t = 7.54, P < 0.001) in the DPMAS + half-dose PE group]. However, there was no significant effect on leukocytes and neutrophils after treatment with different models of artificial liver (P > 0.05) in the two groups, and platelets decreased after treatment, with no statistically significant difference between the groups (t = -0.15, P = 0.882). The inflammatory indexes of the two groups improved after treatment with different models of artificial liver (P < 0.05], and the 28 and 90 d survival rates were higher in the DPMAS+half-dose PE group than those of the PE treatment alone group (28 d: 60.3% vs. 75.0%, χ (2) = 4.315, P = 0.038; 90 d: 56.2% vs. 72.5%. χ (2) = 10.355 P < 0.001). DPMAS + half-dose PE group plasma saving was 1385 ml compared with PE treatment alone group (Z = -7.608, P < 0.05). Conclusion: Both DPMAS+half-dose PE and PE treatment alone have a certain curative effect on patients with liver failure. In DPMAS+half-dose PE, the 28-day survival rate is superior to PE treatment alone, and it saves plasma consumption and minimizes blood use in clinic.

[Analysis of clinicopathological features of 18 cases of hepatic angiosarcoma]

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological features, treatment, and prognosis of hepatic angiosarcoma. Methods: Clinicopathological data and prognostic conditions of 18 cases with hepatic angiosarcoma were collected retrospectively. The recurrence-free survival rate and overall survival rate were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method. A Cox regression analysis was used to explore the survival-related risk factors. Results: There were 12 male and 6 female patients, with an average age of 57 (37 ~ 70) years. The tumor's average diameter was 8.40 (2.00 ~ 18.00) cm. Seven cases had multiple tumors, while two cases had large vessel tumor thrombuses. Microscopically, the tumor tissues were irregularly anastomosed, with vascular lacunar or solid bundle-like weaving, and the tissue morphology mimicked capillary hemangioma, cavernous hemangioma, or angioepithelioma, while tumor cells were spindle-shaped or epithelioid, lined with hobnails in the lumen, or formed papillary structures in the lumen. The proportion of highly, moderately, and poorly differentiated tumors was 4:8:6, with six cases having clear tumor boundaries, eight having microvascular tumor thrombi, and sixteen having blood lake formation. Different levels of expression of CD31, CD34, erythroblast transformation-specific related genes, and Fli-1 markers were demonstrated in all of the cases. Four cases had a P53 mutation, and six cases had Ki-67 > 10%. During the follow-up period of 0.23-114.20 months, the five-year recurrence-free survival rate and overall survival rate were 16.7% and 37.2%, respectively. Cox regression multivariate analysis showed that preoperative symptoms and multiple tumors were significant risk factors for recurrence-free survival, while preoperative symptoms and Ki-67 > 10% were significant risk factors for overall survival. Conclusion: Hepatic angiosarcoma is a rare hepatic mesenchymal tumor with high malignancy and a poor prognosis. Pathological morphology and immunohistochemical marker combinations are needed for a definite diagnosis. However, the complexity of angiosarcomas' histological and cytological conformations and the overlap of pathological features with benign vascular tumors, sarcomas, and carcinomas pose difficulties in the differential diagnosis. Thus, the only effective ways to prolong survival are early detection and radical surgical resection.

[Value of Improved Mayo Endoscopic Score for evaluating treatment efficacy for active ulcerative colitis]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the value of Improved Mayo Endoscopic Score (IMES) for evaluation of treatment efficacy for active ulcerative colitis (UC).

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical and endoscopic data of 103 patients diagnosed with active UC in Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital from January, 2015 to December, 2020. The severity of endoscopic lesions was determined by Mayo Endoscopic Score and the Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopic Index of Severity (UCEIS), and the area of the endoscopic lesions was evaluated based on the Montreal classification system. The IMES was established by combining the MES with the Montreal classification.

RESULTS

Univariate analysis suggested that young patients (<40 years old), patients with extensive disease type (E3), patients with high endoscopic scores (MES=3, UCEIS>4, and IMES>4), and patients receiving advanced drug therapy (with systemic hormones, immunosuppressants, immunomodulators, and biological agents, etc.) had lower clinical and endoscopic remission rates. COX survival analysis showed that IMES≤4 was an independent risk factor for clinical and endoscopic remission. ROC curve indicated that the predictive value of IMSE≤4 for clinical and endoscopic remission (AUC=0.7793 and 0.7095, respectively; P<0.01) was better than that of Montreal (AUC=0.7357 and 0.6847, respectively; P<0.01), MES=2 (AUC=0.6671 and 0.5929, respectively; P<0.01), and UCEIS≤4 (AUC=0.6823 and 0.6459, respectively; P<0.01); IMES=5 had a better predictive value for patients with active UC undergoing colectomy tham E3 and MES=3.

CONCLUSION

IMES has good value in evaluating treatment efficacy for active UC.

Enhancement of blue and ultraviolet components in PCF-based supercontinuum generation through inter-modal dispersive-wave radiation

Broadband supercontinuum (SC) light sources generated through nonlinear effects in solid-core photonic crystal fibers (PCFs) have been widely used in spectroscopy, metrology, and microscopy, leading to great application successes. The short-wavelength extension of such SC sources, a longstanding challenge, has been the subject of intensive study over the past two decades. However, the exact mechanism of blue and ultraviolet light generation, especially for some resonance spectral peaks in the short-wavelength regime, is not yet fully understood. Here, we demonstrate that the effect of inter-modal dispersive-wave radiation, which results from phase matching between pump pulses at the fundamental optical mode and packets of linear waves at some higher-order modes (HOMs) propagating in the PCF core, might be one of the critical mechanisms that can result in some resonance spectral components with wavelengths much shorter than that of the pump light. We observed in an experiment that several spectral peaks resided in the blue and ultraviolet regimes of the SC spectrum, whose central wavelengths can be tuned by varying the PCF-core diameter. These experimental results can be interpreted well using the inter-modal phase-matching theory, providing some useful insights into the SC generation process.

Selective Removal of Emerging Organic Contaminants from Water Using Electrogenerated Fe(IV) and Fe(V) under Near-Neutral Conditions

Fe(IV) and Fe(V) are promising oxidants for the selective removal of emerging organic contaminants (EOCs) from water under near-neutral conditions. The Fe(III)-assisted electrochemical oxidation system with a BDD anode (Fe(III)-EOS-BDD system) has been employed to generate Fe(VI), while the generation and contributions of Fe(IV) and Fe(V) have been largely ignored. Thus, we examined the feasibility and involved mechanisms of the selective degradation of EOCs in the Fe(III)-EOS-BDD system under near-neutral conditions. It was found that Fe(III) application selectively accelerated the electro-oxidation of phenolic and sulfonamide organics and made the oxidation system be resistant to interference from Cl^-, HCO₃^-, and humic acid. Several lines of evidence indicated that EOCs were decomposed via direct electron-transfer process on the BDD anode and by Fe(IV) and Fe(V) but not Fe(VI), besides HO^•. Fe(VI) was not generated until the exhaustion of EOCs. Furthermore, the overall contributions of Fe(IV) and Fe(V) to the oxidation of phenolic and sulfonamide organics were over 45%. Our results also revealed that Fe(III) was oxidized primarily by HO^• to Fe(IV) and Fe(V) in the Fe(III)-EOS-BDD system. This study advances the understanding of the roles of Fe(IV) and Fe(V) in the Fe(III)-EOS-BDD system and provides an alternative for utilizing Fe(IV) and Fe(V) under near-neutral conditions.

Analysis, occurrence, and consumption of substances with abuse potential in Xinjiang, China, from 2021 to 2022

Understanding the consumption patterns of substances with abuse potential in the population is critical in combating drug crimes in the region. In recent years, wastewater-based drug monitoring has become a complementary tool worldwide. This study aimed to use this approach to understand the long-term consumption patterns of abuse potential substances in Xinjiang, China (2021-2022) and to provide more detailed and practical information on the current system. High-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) was employed to quantify the levels of abuse potential substances in wastewater. Subsequently, the detection rate and contribution rate of the drug concentrations were evaluated through analysis. Eleven of abuse potential substances were detected in this study. The influent concentrations ranged from (0.48 ng/L) to 133.41 ng/L, with dextrorphan having the highest concentration. The highest detection frequency rates were for morphine (82 %), dextrorphan (59 %), 11-nor-Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid (43 %), methamphetamine (36 %), and tramadol (24 %). According to a study on wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) removal efficiency, compared to the total removal efficiency in 2021, the total removal efficiency of WWTP1, WWTP3, and WWTP4 increased in 2022, while WWTP2 decreased slightly, and WWTP5 did not change significantly. Upon examination of the use of 18 selected analytes, it was determined that methadone, 3,4-methylenedioxy methamphetamine, ketamine, and cocaine were the primary substances of abuse in the Xinjiang region. This study identified significant abuse substances in Xinjiang and identified research priorities. Future studies should consider expanding the study site to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the consumption patterns of these substances in Xinjiang.

Naproxen as a Turn-On Chemiluminescent Probe for Real-Time Quantification of Sulfate Radicals

Current techniques for identifying and quantifying sulfate radicals (SO₄^·-) in SO₄^·--based advanced oxidation processes (SR-AOPs) are unsatisfactory due to their low selectivity, poor reliability, and limited feasibility for real-time quantification. In this study, naproxen (NAP) was employed as a turn-on luminescent probe for real-time quantification of SO₄^·- in SR-AOPs. The chemiluminescence(CL) yield (Φ_CL) of the reaction of NAP with SO₄^·- was first determined to be 1.49 × 10^-5 E mol^-1 with the bisulfite activation by cerium(IV) [Ce(IV)/BS] process. Then, the maximum peak concentrations of SO₄^·- in the Ce(IV)/BS-NAP process was quantified to be ∼10^-11 M based on the derived equation. Since Φ_CL of the reaction of NAP with SO₄^·- was much greater than that with other reactive oxidizing species (ROS), the developed CL method worked well in selective quantification of SO₄^·- in various SR-AOPs (e.g., the activation of peroxymonosulfate and persulfate by iron processes). Finally, the electron transfer from NAP to SO₄^·- was proposed to be the critical step for CL production. This work provides a novel CL method for real-time quantification of SO₄^·-, which facilitates the development of SR-AOPs and their application in water and wastewater treatment.

[Exploration of making removable partial denture by digital technology]

To explore the digital manufacturing process of distal extension removable partial denture. From November 2021 to December 2022, 12 patients (7 males and 5 females) with free-ending situation were selected from the Department of Prosthodontics, School of Stomatology, The Fourth Military Medical University. Three-dimensional model of the relationship between alveolar ridge and jaw position was obtained by intraoral scanning technique. After routine design, manufacturing and try-in of metal framework for removable partial denture, the metal framework was located in the mouth and scanned again to obtain the composite model of dentition, alveolar ridge and metal framework. The free-end modified model is obtained by merging the digital model of free-end alveolar ridge with the virtual model with the metal framework. The three-dimensional model of artificial dentition, and base plate was designed on the free-end modified model, and the resin model were made by digital milling technology. The removable partial denture was made by accurately positioning the artificial dentition and base plate, bonding metal framework with injection resin, grinding and polishing the artificial dentition and resin base. Compared with the design data after clinical trial, the results showed that there was an error of 0.4-1.0 mm and an error of 0.03-0.10 mm in the connection between the resin base of artificial dentition and the connecting rod of the in-place bolt and the connection between artificial dentition and resin base. After denturen delivery, only 2 patients needed grinding adjustment in follow-up visit due to tenderness, and the rest patients did not find any discomfort. The digital fabrication process of removable partial denture used in this study can basically solve the problems of digital fabrication of free-end modified model and assembly of artificial dentition with resin base and metal framework.

Dexmedetomidine-mediated neuroprotection against sevoflurane-induced brain development abnormality in fetal mice brain

OBJECTIVE

Brain development is susceptible to external influences during the gestation period so the neurotoxicity of anesthetics has gained a lot of attention. We aimed to investigate the neurotoxicity of sevoflurane to fetal mice brain as well as the neuroprotective effects of dexmedetomidine.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Pregnant mice were treated with 2.5% sevoflurane for 6 hours. The changes in fetal brain development were assayed with immunofluorescence and western blot. The pregnant mice were intraperitoneally injected with dexmedetomidine or vehicle from gestation day (G) 12.5 to G15.5.

RESULTS

Our results showed maternal sevoflurane exposure could not only inhibit neurogenesis but also lead to precocious generation of astrocytes in fetal mice brains. The fetal mice brain of sevoflurane group exhibited a significant inhibition in the activity of Wnt signaling and the expression of CyclinD1, Ngn2. Chronic dexmedetomidine administration could minimize the negative effects caused by sevoflurane by activating the Wnt signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

This study has uncovered a Wnt signaling-related mechanism of the neurotoxicity of sevoflurane and confirmed the neuroprotective effect of dexmedetomidine, which could provide pre-clinical evidence for clinical decision-making.

High Electron Mobility Hot-Exciton Induced Delayed Fluorescent Organic Semiconductors

The development of high mobility emissive organic semiconductors is of great significance for the fabrication of miniaturized optoelectronic devices, such as organic light emitting transistors. However, great challenge exists in designing key materials, especially those who integrates triplet exciton utilization ability. Herein, dinaphthylanthracene diimides (DNADIs), with 2,6-extended anthracene donor, and 3'- or 4'-substituted naphthalene monoimide acceptors were designed and synthesized. By introducing acceptor-donor-acceptor structure, both materials show high electron mobility. Moreover, by fine-tuning of substitution sites, good integration with high solid state photoluminescence quantum yield of 26 %, high electron mobility of 0.02 cm²  V^-1  s^-1 , and the feature of hot-exciton induced delayed fluorescence were obtained in 4'-DNADI. This work opens a new avenue for developing high electron mobility emissive organic semiconductors with efficient utilization of triplet excitons.

[Impact of interventional therapy on top of standard drug therapy on left ventricular structure and function in HFrEF patients complicating with middle aortic syndrome caused by Takayasu arteritis]

Objective: To evaluate the impact of interventional therapy on top of drug therapy on cardiac function and structure in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) patients complicating with middle aortic syndrome caused by Takayasu arteritis (TA-MAS). Methods: It was a retrospective longitudinal study. The data of patients with TA-MAS and HFrEF, who received interventional therapy on top of drug therapy in Fuwai Hospital from January 2010 to September 2020, were collected and analyzed. Baseline clinical data (including demographic data, basic treatment, etc.) were collected through the electronic medical record system. Changes of indexes such as New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular mass index (LVMI) before and after therapy were analyzed. Results: A total of 10 patients were collected. There were 8 females in this patient cohort, age was (18.4±5.0) years and onset age was (15.3±5.0) years. All 10 patients received standard heart failure medication therapy in addition to hormone and/or immunosuppressive anti-inflammatory therapy, but cardiac function was not improved, so aortic balloon dilatation and/or aortic stenting were performed in these patients. The median follow-up was 3.3(1.3, 5.6) years. On the third day after interventional therapy, the clinical symptoms of the 10 patients were significantly improved, NYHA classfication was restored from preoperative Ⅲ/Ⅳ to Ⅱ at 6 months post intervention(P<0.05). Compared with preoperation, NT-proBNP (P=0.028), LVEDD (P=0.011) and LVMI (P=0.019) were significantly decreased, LVEF was significantly increased (P<0.001) at 6 months after operation. Compared with preoperation, NT-proBNP (P=0.016), LVEDD (P=0.023) and LVMI (P=0.043) remained decreased, LVEF remained increased (P<0.001) at 1 year after operation. Conclusion: Results from short and medium term follow-up show that interventional therapy on top of heart failure drug therpay can effectively improve left cardiac function and attenuate cardiac remodeling in patients with TA-MAS comorbid with HFrEF.

Illicit drugs and their metabolites in urban wastewater: Analysis, occurrence and consumption in Xinjiang, China

The use of illicit drugs has increased considerably across the world. Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) of illicit drugs might help determine the types and quantity of illicit drugs consumed in a region. In this study, WBE was applied to analyze illicit drugs in five representative urban wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Xinjiang, China. The collected samples were pretreated under optimized solid-phase extraction conditions and then analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). The results revealed the presence of 9 of the 11 evaluated drugs; among them, the concentrations of these substances ranged as follows: METH (2.60-10.02 ng/L), MDMA (0.49-6.87 ng/L), MOR (4.53-44.75 ng/L), COD (2.24-8.30 ng/L), MTD (1.36-3.75 ng/L), COC (0.48 ng/L), THC (5.98-18.89 ng/L), BE (1.12-2.45 ng/L) and KET (1.50 ng/L). And an estimate of the per capita consumption revealed morphine (10.2 mg/d/1000inhabitants), cannabis (3.9 mg/d/1000inhabitants), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (3.9 mg/d/1000 inhabitants), and methamphetamine (2.2 mg/d/1000 inhabitants) as the main substances of abuse in Xinjiang, China. The results of this study might be taken as a reference for future studies on the continuous monitoring of such drugs.

[Risk factors analysis on high-risk behaviors of drowning among students in Shufu county, Kashgar area, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region]

Objective: To understand the incidence and risk factors of high-risk drowning behaviors among primary and middle school students in Shufu county, Kashgar area, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and provide a theoretical basis for the development of drowning prevention policies and intervention measures. Methods: Cluster random sampling method was adopted in Bulakesu and Uppal of Shufu county. A total of 28 primaries and 2 middle schools were selected, and questionnaires surveyed all the students in grades 1-8. Results: A total of 14 543 questionnaires were sent out. 23.9% of primary and secondary school students had experienced high-risk drowning behavior in the past 12 months. Higher swimming level, introversion, intense curiosity, poor relationship with classmates, poor relationship with family, and open water near the school and open water near home were the risk factors of high-risk drowning behaviors. Conclusions: More attention should be paid to the psychology and high-risk behaviors of primary and middle school students, and the education of drowning knowledge and skills should be strengthened. Meanwhile, schools and communities should pay attention to the management and intervention of open water.

Modification of Activated Carbon and Its Application in Selective Hydrogenation of Naphthalene

The MoS₂/ACx catalyst for hydrogenation of naphthalene to tetralin was prepared with untreated and modified activated carbon (ACx) as support and characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller, scanning electron microscopy, temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scaning transmission electron microscopy. The results show that the modification of activated carbon by HNO₃ changes the physical and chemical properties of activated carbon (AC), which mainly increases the micropore surface area of AC from 1091 to 1209 m²/g, increases the micropore volume of AC from 0.444 to 0.487 cm³/g, increases the oxygen-containing functional groups of AC from 5.46 to 7.52, and increases the acidity of catalysts from 365.7 to 559.2 mmol/g. The modified catalyst showed good catalytic performance, and the appropriate HNO₃ concentration is very important for the modified of activated carbon. Among all the catalysts used in this study, the MoS₂/AC3 catalyst could achieve the highest yield of tetralin. It can be attributed to the moderate acidity of the catalyst, reducing the cracking of hydrogenation products. Also, the proper hydrogenation activity of MoS₂ and the appropriate increase of oxygen-containing functional groups on the surface of modified activated carbon are beneficial to the dispersion of active components on the support, increasing the yield of tetralin. The catalytic performance of MoS₂/AC3 is better than that of MoS₂/Al₂O₃ catalyst, and the two catalysts show different hydrogenation paths of naphthalene.

Chemiluminescence quenching capacity as a surrogate for total organic carbon in wastewater

Total organic carbon (TOC) is a valuable indicator to evaluate the degree of organic pollution in wastewater. Real-time analysis of TOC in wastewater can allow the wastewater treatment plants to manage the treatment process efficiently, avoid violations of the discharge regulations, and eliminate overtreatment. However, traditional methods for TOC determination are time-consuming. Benefitting from the rapid generation of SO₄^•- in the iron(II)-activated peroxymonosulfate (Fe(II)/PMS) system and the high reactivity of SO₄^•- towards naproxen as a chemiluminescence (CL) probe, a surrogate for TOC based on the determination of CL quenching capacity (CLQC) of organics in the Fe(II)/PMS-naproxen system was developed. According to the derived equation by considering both non-fluorescent and fluorescent quenching, the CLQC of organics in the Fe(II)/PMS-naproxen system was highly dependent on their TOC, making it to be a potential surrogate for TOC. The interferences of ubiquitous inorganic ions in wastewater on the determination of CLQC were leveled by adjusting electrical conductivity and adding mercury ions. Finally, the feasibility of CLQC as a surrogate for TOC in two real wastewaters containing different concentrations of inorganic anions was confirmed. This work can provide a TOC value within several seconds by determining the CLQC of wastewater with Fe(II)/PMS-naproxen system.

Mechanistic Insights into the Markedly Decreased Oxidation Capacity of the Fe(II)/S2O82- Process with Increasing pH

The poor oxidation capacity of the Fe(II)/S₂O₈^2- [Fe(II)/PDS] system at pH > 3.0 has limited its wide application in water treatment. To unravel the underlying mechanism, this study systematically evaluated the possible influencing factors over the pH range of 1.0-8.0 and developed a mathematical model to quantify these effects. Results showed that ∼82% of the generated Fe(IV) could be used for pollutant degradation at pH 1.0, whereas negligible Fe(IV) contribution was observed at pH 7.5. This dramatic decline of Fe(IV) contribution with increasing pH dominantly accounted for the pH-dependent performance of the Fe(II)/PDS process. Unexpectedly, Fe(II) could consume ∼80% of the generated SO₄^•- non-productively under both acidic and near-neutral conditions, while the larger formation of Fe(III) precipitates at high pH inhibited the SO₄^•- contribution mildly. Moreover, the strong Fe(II) scavenging effect was difficult to be compensated for by slowing down the Fe(II) dosing rate. The competition of dissolved oxygen with PDS for Fe(II) was insignificant at pH ≤ 7.5, where the second-order rate constants for reactions of Fe(II) with oxygen were much lower than or comparable to that between Fe(II) and PDS. These findings could advance our understanding of the chemistry and application of the Fe(II)/PDS process.

[Health-adjusted life expectancy in residents in Guangzhou, 2010-2019]

Objective: To analyze the spatiotemporal distribution of life expectancy (LE) and health-adjusted life expectancy (HALE) in Guangzhou from 2010 to 2019, and quantize the comprehensive impact of different causes and sequelae on health. Methods: The LE, HALE, and cause-excluded health adjusted life expectancy (CEHALE) were estimated using cause-of-death surveillance datasets from Guangzhou Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention from 2010 to 2019 and open data from the Global Burden of Disease Study. Joinpoint log-linear regression model was used to analyze the temporal trend and described spatial distribution. Results: In 2019, the LE in residents in Guangzhou was 82.9 years (80.1 years in men and 85.9 years in women), and the HALE was 75.6 years (74.0 years in men and 77.3 years in women). Compared with the urban fringe, the central urban area had higher LE and HALE, and the differences between LE and HALE were small. The LE and HALE in Guangzhou showed an increasing trend from 2010 to 2019. The LE increased by 2.8 years (AAPC=0.4, 95%CI: 0.3-0.4), with the increase of 2.8 years in men and 2.9 years in women. The HALE increased by 2.4 years (AAPC=0.3, 95%CI: 0.3-0.4), with the increase of 2.5 years in men and 2.2 years in women. The median healthy life lost due to communicable, maternal, neonatal, and nutritional diseases was 6.2 years (AAPC=-4.2, 95%CI: -5.3--3.1), while the median healthy life lost due to non-communicable diseases was 14.7 years (AAPC=1.6, 95%CI: 0.9-2.3), the median healthy life expectancy reduced by injury was 6.3 years (AAPC=-3.5, 95%CI: -4.5--2.6). Musculoskeletal disorders, skin and subcutaneous diseases, cardiovascular diseases, nutritional deficiencies, diabetes and kidney diseases were the top five diseases causing healthy life expectancy loss. Conclusion: The LE and HALE in residents in Guangzhou increased steadily from 2010 to 2019, but the quality of life in the urban fringe was lower than that of the central urban area. Non-communicable diseases were the leading causes of healthy life expectancy loss. Health policies and prevention measures should be developed according to area specific characteristics, and social medical resources should be rationally allocated to key diseases to reduce their disease burden.

[Phenotypes and genotypes of 78 patients with propionic acidemia]

Objective: Propionic acidemia is a rare inherited metabolic disorder caused by propionyl CoA carboxylase (PCC) deficiency. This study aims to analyze the clinical characteristics and gene variations of Chinese patients with propionic acidemia, and to explore the correlation between clinical phenotypes and genotypes. Methods: Single-center, retrospective and observational study. Seventy-eight patients of propionic acidemia (46 males and 32 females) from 20 provinces and autonomous regions were admitted from January 2007 to April 2022. Their age of initial diagnosis ranged from 7 days to 15 years. The clinical manifestations, biochemical and metabolic abnormalities, genetic variations, diagnosis, treatment and outcome were studied. Chi-Square test or Mann-Whitney U test were used for statistical analysis. Results: Among 78 cases, 6 (7.7%) were identified by newborn screening; 72 (92.3%) were clinically diagnosed after onset, and the age of onset was 2 hours after birth to 15 years old; 32 cases had early-onset disease and 40 cases had late-onset disease. The initial manifestations included lethargy, hypotonia, vomiting, feeding difficulties, developmental delay, epilepsy, and coma. Among the 74 cases who accepted gene analysis, 35 (47.3%) had PCCA variants and 39 (52.7%) had PCCB variants. A total of 39 PCCA variants and 32 PCCB variants were detected, among which c.2002G>A and c.229C>T in PCCA and c.838dupC and c.1087T>C in PCCB were the most common variants in this cohort. The variants c.1228C>T and c.1283C>T in PCCB may be related to early-onset type. The variants c.838dupC, c.1127G>T and c.1316A>G in PCCB, and c.2002G>A in PCCA may be related to late-onset disease. Six patients detected by newborn screening and treated at asymptomatic stage developed normal. The clinically diagnosed 72 cases had varied complications. 10 (12.8%) cases of them died. 62 patients improved after metabolic therapy by L-carnitine and diet. Six patients received liver transplantation because of recurrent metabolic crisis. Their clinical symptoms were markedly improved. Conclusion: The clinical manifestations of propionic acidemia are complex and lack of specificity. Newborn screening and high-risk screening are keys for early treatment and better outcome. The correlation between the genotype and phenotype of propionic acidemia is unclear, but certain variants may be associated with early-onset or late-onset propionic acidemia.

Poly(arylene ether nitrile)/lamellar MXene nanosheet composite films fabricated via bio-inspired dopamine surface chemistry

2D lamellar MXene nanosheets have shown the promising candidate for preparing dielectric polymer composites due to their excellent electrical and mechanical properties. However, the high dielectric loss and low temperature resistance restrict their further application, which are still big challenges. In this work, MXene nanosheets were modified by dopamine mediated chemical crosslinking with polyethylenimine, which was further incorporated into the temperature-resistant poly (arylene ether nitrile) (PEN) matrix via a simple solution-casting method to prepare the dielectric MXene/PEN composite film. Specially, the insulating layer originated from polyethylenimine and polydopamine not only enhanced the interface polarization and the uniform dispersion of MXene in the polymer matrix, but also prevented the formation of conductive network. As a result, the MXene/PEN composite film achieved the high dielectric constant of 13.3 (1 kHz) when filling content was 7 wt%, and the dielectric loss was suppressed to 0.042. As the filling content reached 5 wt%, the MXene/PEN composite film had the maximum tensile strength and tensile modulus of 70.9 MPa and 3042.6 MPa, respectively, while maintaining a high elongation at break larger than 6.5%. In addition, the composite film retained the thermal decomposition temperature (T10%) of 460–521°C and the glass transition temperature higher than 149°C. Therefore, this work provides an alternative way to prepare thermally stable and dielectric polymer composite film with high mechanical strength and low dielectric loss, which is essential to the modern electronic applications.

Degradation of Organic Contaminants by Reactive Iron/Manganese Species: Progress and Challenges

Many iron(II, III, VI)- and manganese(II, IV, VII)-based oxidation processes can generate reactive iron/manganese species (RFeS/RMnS, i.e., Fe(IV)/Fe(V) and Mn(III)/Mn(V)/Mn(VI)), which have mild and selective reactivity toward a wide range of organic contaminants, and thus have drawn significant attention. The reaction mechanisms of these processes are rather complicated due to the simultaneous involvement of multiple radical and/or nonradical species. As a result, the ambiguity in the occurrence of RFeS/RMnS and divergence in the degradation mechanisms of trace organic contaminants in the presence of RFeS/RMnS exist in literature. In order to improve the critical understanding of the RFeS/RMnS-mediated oxidation processes, the detection methods of RFeS/RMnS and their roles in the destruction of trace organic contaminants are reviewed with special attention to some specific problems related to the scavenger and probe selection and experimental results analysis potentially resulting in some questionable conclusions. Moreover, the influence of background constituents, such as organic matter and halides, on oxidation efficiency of RFeS/RMnS-mediated oxidation processes and formation of byproducts are discussed through their comparison with those in free radicals-dominated oxidation processes. Finally, the prospects of the RFeS/RMnS-mediated oxidation processes and the challenges for future applications are presented.

Understanding the Importance of Periodate Species in the pH-Dependent Degradation of Organic Contaminants in the H2O2/Periodate Process

Although periodate-based advanced oxidation processes have been proven to be efficient in abating organic contaminants, the activation properties of different periodate species remain largely unclear. Herein, by highlighting the role of H₄IO₆^-, we reinvestigated the pH effect on the decontamination performance of the H₂O₂/periodate process. Results revealed that elevating pH from 2.0 to 10.0 could markedly accelerate the rates of organic contaminant decay but decrease the amounts of organic contaminant removal. This pH-dependent trend of organic contaminant degradation corresponded well with the HO^· yield and the variation of periodate species. Specifically, although ¹O₂ could be detected at pH 9.0, HO^· was determined to be the major reactive oxidizing species in the H₂O₂/periodate process under all the tested pH levels. Furthermore, it was suggested that only H₄IO₆^- and H₂I₂O₁₀^4- could serve as the precursors of HO^·. The second-order rate constant for the reaction of H₂I₂O₁₀^4- species with H₂O₂ was determined to be ∼1199.5 M^-1 s^-1 at pH 9.0, which was two orders of magnitude greater than that of H₄IO₆^- (∼2.2 M^-1 s^-1 at pH 3.0). Taken together, the reaction pathways of H₂O₂ with different periodate species were proposed. These fundamental findings could improve our understanding of the periodate-based advanced oxidation processes.

Spatial barcoding-enabled highly multiplexed immunoassay with digital microfluidics

Digital microfluidics (DMF), facilitating independent manipulation of microliter samples, provides an ideal platform for immunoassay detection; however, suffering limited multiplexity. To address the need, herein we described a digital microfluidics (DMF) platform that realizes spatial barcoding on the Teflon-coated indium tin oxide (ITO) glass side to fulfill highly multiplexed immunoassay (10+) with low-volume samples (∼4 μL) in parallel, representing the highest multiplexing recorded to date for DMF-actuated immunoassay. Planar-based spatial immobilization of multiple capture antibodies was realized on a Teflon-coated ITO glass side, which was then used as the top plate of the DMF device. Droplets containing analytes, secondary antibodies, and fluorescent signaling reporters with low volume, which were electrically manipulated by our DMF control system, were shuttled sequentially along the working electrodes to complete the immuno-reaction. Evaluation of platform performance with recombinant proteins showed excellent sensitivity and reproducibility. To test the feasibility of our platform in analyzing multiplex biomarkers of the immune response, we used lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages as a model system for protein secretion dynamics studies. As a result, temporal profiling of pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion dynamics was obtained. The spatial barcoding strategy presented here is easy-to-operate to enable a more comprehensive evaluation of protein abundance from biological samples, paving the way for new opportunities to realize multiplexity-associated applications with the DMF platform.