Simultaneously Utilizing Excited Holes and Electrons for Piezoelectric-Enhanced Photoproduction of H2O2 from S-Scheme 2D S-Doped VOx/g-C3N4 Nanostructures

2D/2D step-scheme (S-scheme) piezo-photocatalysts for the production of fine chemicals, such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), have attracted significant attention of global scientists owing to the efficiency in utilizing surface piezoelectric effects from 2D materials to overcome rapid charge recombination in photocatalytic processes. In this research, we reported the fabrication of 2D S-doped VOx deposited on 2D g-C3N4 to produce H2O2 via the piezo-photocatalytic process with high production yields at 20.19 mmol g-1 h-1, which was 1.75 and 4.87 times higher than that from solely piezo-catalytic and photocatalytic H2O2 generation. The finding pointed out that adding sulfur (S) to VOx can help to improve the catalytic outcomes by modifying the electronic properties of pristine VOx. In addition, when coupled with g-C3N4, the presence of S limits the formation of graphene in the VOx/g-C3N4 composites, causing shielding effects and pushing the cascade reactions toward water generation in the materials. Besides, the research also sheds light on the charge transport between g-C3N4 and S-VOx under irradiation and how the composites work to trigger the formation of H2O2. The presence of S in the composite systems enhances charge transfer between two semiconductors by strengthening the internal electric fields (IEF) to drive electrons moving in one direction, as demonstrated by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Moreover, the formation of H2O2 significantly relies on the reduction of oxygen to generate oxygenic radical species at the g-C3N4 sites. Meanwhile, S-VOx provides oxidative sites in the composites to oxidize water molecules to directly or indirectly generate H2O2 or O2, which will further participate in the reactions to produce the final products. This study confirms the validation of S-scheme piezo-photocatalysts, thus encouraging further research on developing heterojunction materials with high catalytic efficiency, which can be used in practical conditions.

Assessing industrial wastewater effluent toxicity using boosting algorithms in machine learning: A case study on ecotoxicity prediction and control strategy development

Trace heavy metals have a tendency to persist in the effluent of industrial wastewater treatment facilities, leading to toxic effects on downstream water bodies. Traditional assessment methods relied on animal testing, but ethical concerns have rendered them unacceptable. An alternative solution is to evaluate wastewater toxicity using trophic-level aquatic organisms as bioassays. However, these bioassay methods involve costly and time-consuming chemical and biological analytical experiments. In this study, an artificial intelligence-powered water quality assessment (AiWA) approach is proposed for predicting industrial effluent ecotoxicity to further enhance the quick and cost-effective ecotoxicity assessment process. Initially, 99 samples were collected from industrial wastewater treatment plants representing 21 different industries in the Republic of Korea. Fourteen parameters were measured, encompassing both physicochemical and ecotoxicological aspects. Boosting algorithms, especially extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) and adaptive boosting (AdaBoost), were employed for model development. XGBoost outperformed AdaBoost in terms of model performance. Feature selection analysis revealed that conductivity, copper, lead, selenium, pH, and zinc concentrations were the most suitable inputs for training the boosting model. The innovated XGBoost-based AiWA model demonstrated significantly higher performance (i.e., up to 80%) compared to conventional models with an R2 value of exceeding 0.94 and root mean square error of 3.5 toxicity unit for predicting the integrated toxicity unit (ITU). Additionally, pH and conductivity emerged as crucial indicators for reflecting ecotoxicity levels. Specially, this case study indicated that non-toxic/directly dischargeable levels (TU ≤ 1) were achieved when the pH ranged from 6.8 to 8.4 and the conductivity remained below 1651 μS/cm. These findings are expected to facilitate rapid and cost-effective detection of heavy metal ecotoxicity in industrial wastewater effluents, aiding decision-making in wastewater management.

Revisiting the roles of dopants in g-C3N4 nanostructures for piezo-photocatalytic production of H2O2: a case study of selenium and sulfur

The sustainable production of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) from oxygen and water has become an exciting research hotspot in the scientific community due to the importance of this fine chemical in various fields. Besides, piezo-photocatalysis is an emerging star for generating H₂O₂ from these green reagents. For developing catalysts for this specific application, doping heteroatoms into carbon-based materials such as graphitic carbon nitrides (g-C₃N₄) is a growing fascination among worldwide scientists. However, systematic study on the effects of doping precursors on the catalytic results is still rare. Herein, we fabricated sulfur (S) and selenium (Se) doped g-C₃N₄ with various doping precursors to evaluate the effects of these agents on the production of H₂O₂ under light and ultrasound irradiation. Based on the results, Se-doped g-C₃N₄ gave an outstanding catalytic performance compared to S-doped g-C₃N₄, even in a significantly low quantity of Se. In order to fully understand the chemical, physical, optical, and electronic properties of pristine g-C₃N₄ and its derivatives, the as-prepared materials were thoroughly analyzed with various tools. Thus, this study would give more profound insights into doping techniques for carbon-based materials and encourage further research on the design and development of piezo-photocatalysts for practical applications.

Investigating PEGDA and GelMA Microgel Models for Sustained 3D Heterotypic Dermal Papilla and Keratinocyte Co-Cultures

Hair follicle morphogenesis is heavily dependent on reciprocal, sequential, and epithelial-mesenchymal interaction (EMI) between epidermal stem cells and the specialized cells of the underlying mesenchyme, which aggregate to form the dermal condensate (DC) and will later become the dermal papilla (DP). Similar models were developed with a co-culture of keratinocytes and DP cells. Previous studies have demonstrated that co-culture with keratinocytes maintains the in vivo characteristics of the DP. However, it is often challenging to develop three-dimensional (3D) DP and keratinocyte co-culture models for long term in vitro studies, due to the poor intercellular adherence between keratinocytes. Keratinocytes exhibit exfoliative behavior, and the integrity of the DP and keratinocyte co-cultured spheroids cannot be maintained over prolonged culture. Short durations of culture are unable to sufficiently allow the differentiation and re-programming of the keratinocytes into hair follicular fate by the DP. In this study, we explored a microgel array approach fabricated with two different hydrogel systems. Using poly (ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) and gelatin methacrylate (GelMA), we compare their effects on maintaining the integrity of the cultures and their expression of important genes responsible for hair follicle morphogenesis, namely Wnt10A, Wnt10B, and Shh, over prolonged duration. We discovered that low attachment surfaces such as PEGDA result in the exfoliation of keratinocytes and were not suitable for long-term culture. GelMA, on the hand, was able to sustain the integrity of co-cultures and showed higher expression of the morphogens overtime.

Immobilized nanoneedle-like structures for intracellular delivery, biosensing and cellular surgery

The rapid advancements of nanotechnology over the recent years have reformed the methods used for treating human diseases. Nanostructures including nanoneedles, nanorods, nanowires, nanofibers and nanotubes have exhibited their potential roles in drug delivery, biosensing, cancer therapy, regenerative medicine and intracellular surgery. These high aspect ratio structures enhance targeted drug delivery with spatiotemporal control while also demonstrating their role as an efficient intracellular biosensor with minimal invasiveness. This review discusses the history and emergence of these nanostructures and their fabrication methods. This review also provides an overview of the different applications of nanoneedle systems, further highlighting the importance of greater investigation into these nanostructures for future medicine.

On-pump transapical cardioscopic mitral valve replacement with cardiac arrest: short-term results in a porcine survival model

OBJECTIVES

Favourable outcomes with mitral annuloplasty have been achieved with transapical cardioscopic (TAC) surgery in a survival animal model. In addition, experimental TAC on a non-survival animal model also showed adequate access to remove the native mitral valve and implant a prosthetic valve, but the surgical procedure took a long time and lacked follow-up data. The goal of this study was to develop a clinically translatable TAC mitral valve replacement (MVR) procedure using technical and instrumental refinements to reduce the surgical time and to evaluate functional recovery and short-term durability using a survival porcine model. We hypothesized that MVR could be achieved with subannular implantation of the bioprosthesis via the TAC approach.

METHODS

TAC MVR using the Hancock II™ (Medtronic)® mitral prosthesis was performed in 6 pigs via an incision over the xiphoid process, under cardiopulmonary bypass and cardiac arrest. COR-KNOT® and minimally invasive cardiac surgery instruments were used. Haemodynamics, echocardiography, cardiac computed tomography, ventriculography and electrocardiography were used to evaluate the function of the mitral prosthesis and left ventricle, coronary system and conduction system in the perioperative period and 4 weeks later.

RESULTS

A postimplant examination showed that the mitral prosthesis was competent, without a paravalvular leak. The left ventricular ejection fraction was comparable to preoperative values (65.2 ± 4.1 vs 67.2 ± 7.9). The bypass, cross-clamp and implant times were 177.2 ± 44.2 min, 135.3 ± 47.6 min and 94.0 ± 41.2 min, respectively. The prosthesis was in a good position. The apical scar was intact and not aneurysmal 4 weeks after the implant. The valve was properly sutured to the annulus, without a postimplant paravalvular leak. All animals recovered after 1 month of follow-up with preserved ventricular function and normal wall motion.

CONCLUSIONS

We successfully managed to replace the mitral valve with a biological prosthesis via the apex with encouraging bypass and cross-clamp times. This technique may provide an alternative for a selected group of patients with diseased mitral valves who have indications for MVR and still in a high-risk redo setting with conventional sternotomy or minimally invasive cardiac surgery-MVR.

Transapical cardioscopic mitral annuloplasty: a short-term survival study in a porcine model

OBJECTIVES

The transapical approach provides concurrent surgical access to the mitral and the aortic valves, the root of the aorta and the left atrium. We previously showed the feasibility of transapical cardioscopic (TAC) surgery in a non-survival porcine model. However, reproducibility and feasibility of ring implantation using TAC have not been reported. Therefore, in this study, we hypothesized that implantation of a mitral annuloplasty ring can be feasibly and safely carried out endoscopically via the apex of the heart.

METHODS

Using a porcine model in a short-term survival study, TAC mitral annuloplasty was performed in 6 pigs via an incision over the xyphoid, under cardiopulmonary bypass and cardiac arrest. A mitral annuloplasty ring was implanted via the apex to a normal mitral annulus, using a customized set of instruments and techniques. Haemodynamics, echocardiography, cardiac computed tomography, ventriculography, electrocardiography and histopathology studies were used to evaluate the function of the mitral valve and the left ventricle, coronary system and conduction system in the perioperative period and 4 weeks later.

RESULTS

All 6 animals survived and recovered from the TAC annuloplasty procedure. Postimplantation examination showed that the mitral valve was competent, left ventricular ejection fraction was 63 ± 4%, left ventricular length was 6.2 ± 0.5 cm and left ventricular end-diastolic volume was 80 ± 10 ml, which were comparable to preoperative values. Apart from a dense scar at the apex, no significant injury was noticed on the ventricle, the chordae and the mitral leaflets. The bypass, cross-clamp and implantation times were 181 ± 55 min, 130 ± 37 min and 47 ± 6 min, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite long surgical times due to the initial learning curve, successful execution of mitral ring annuloplasty could be safely achieved using the TAC approach, via a small incision without the involvement of sternum or the right pleural cavity, thereby potentially expanding the indication to patients with high-risk full sternotomy or right thoracotomy.

Disease spectrum and management of children admitted with acute respiratory infection in Viet Nam

OBJECTIVE

To assess the acute respiratory infection (ARI) disease spectrum, duration of hospitalisation and outcome in children hospitalised with an ARI in Viet Nam.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective descriptive study of ARI admissions to primary (Hoa Vang District Hospital), secondary (Da Nang Hospital for Women and Children) and tertiary (National Hospital of Paediatrics in Ha Noi) level hospitals in Viet Nam over 12 months (01/09/2015 to 31/08/2016).

RESULTS

Acute respiratory infections accounted for 27.9% (37 436/134 061) of all paediatric admissions; nearly half (47.6%) of all children admitted to Hoa Vang District Hospital. Most (64.6%) of children hospitalised with an ARI were <2 years of age. Influenza/pneumonia accounted for 69.4% of admissions; tuberculosis for only 0.3%. Overall 284 (0.8%) children died; most deaths (269/284; 94.7%) occurred at the tertiary referral hospital. The average duration of hospitalisation was 7.6 days (median 7 days). The average direct hospitalisation cost per ARI admission was 157.5 USD in Da Nang Provincial Hospital. In total, 62.6% of admissions were covered by health insurance.

CONCLUSION

Acute respiratory infection is a major cause of paediatric hospitalisation in Viet Nam, characterised by prolonged hospitalisation for relatively mild disease. There is huge potential to reduce unnecessary hospital admission and cost.

Prevalence of restless legs syndrome and sleep quality in carriers of the fragile X premutation

This study examined the relationship between the fragile X premutation and restless legs syndrome (RLS). Demographic, medical history and survey responses related to sleep were collected from 213 participants (127 carriers and 86 age matched controls). Subjects were asked about the presence of the four formal diagnostic criteria for RLS. Individuals with the premutation were 1.9 times as likely to meet criteria for RLS (95% CI 1.1–3.2, p=0.025) as controls. Premutation carriers with RLS also experienced significantly worse symptoms than matched controls with adjusted mean scores of 15.1±8.8 vs 7.9±4.4, respectively on the International Restless Legs Scale (IRLS). As markers for domains of sleep disturbance, all subjects completed the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), the Insomnia Severity Index (ISA) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Premutation carriers demonstrated significantly more pathology on these tests except for the ESS where there was a trend towards increased daytime sleepiness in carriers. RLS joins a host of other conditions that should be carefully screened for in those carrying the fragile X premutation and sleep should be a focus for clinicians providing care to them.

Drug permeation through skin is inversely correlated with carrier gel rigidity

Controlled release plays an essential role in formulating topical and transdermal drug delivery systems. In this study, we correlated the skin permeation of Sesamin, a lipophilic drug, with the rheological properties of two different organogel carriers, i.e., low molecular weight gelling agent N-lauroyl-l-glutamic acid di-n-butylamide (GP-1) and Carbopol polymeric gels. Although these two gels have distinct network structures, they share the same trend: the more rigid the gel network and the higher the gelator concentration, the lower the steady flux of Sesamin through skin. This negative correlation lies in the fact that organogel network hinders the diffusion of drug to the gel-skin interface; as a result, the depletion zone near the interface is non-negligible and contributes to the resistance of the whole diffusion system, and thus, the permeation flux is reduced. More interestingly, the dependence of the steady flux against gel complex modulus at the linear viscoelastic region followed a "universal" power law regardless of the gel types, i.e., 1/J = 1/J0 + a(G*)(ε)/C0 with a = 11.25, ε = 0.21 ± 0.03 for GP-1 gels, and a = 0.16, ε = 1.05 ± 0.06 for Carbopol gels, J0 is the steady flux without gel (G* = 0), and C0 is the initial concentration of drug in gels. The empirical formulae are crucial in developing transdermal organogel systems with controlled release of drug content through readily obtainable data of their rheological properties. The explanation for the power law dependence of the steady flux on gel complex modulus is discussed.

Prevalence and risk of migraine headaches in adult fragile X premutation carriers

FMR1 premutation carriers are common in the general population (1/130-260 females and 1/250-810 males) and can be affected by fragile X-associated tremor ataxia syndrome, fragile X-associated primary ovarian insufficiency, anxiety, depression, hypertension, sleep apnea, fibromyalgia, and hypothyroidism. Here we report the results of a pilot study to assess the prevalence and risk of migraine in FMR1 premutation carriers. Three hundred fifteen carriers (203 females; 112 males) and 154 controls (83 females; 71 males) were seen sequentially as part of a family study. A standardized medical history, physical examination and confirmation of diagnosis of migraine headaches were performed by a physician. The prevalence of migraine was 54.2% in female carriers (mean age/SD: 49.60/13.73) and 26.79% in male carriers (mean age/SD: 59.94/14.27). This prevalence was higher compared to female (25.3%; mean age/SD: 47.60/15.21; p =  0.0001) and male controls (15.5%; mean age/SD; 53.88/13.31; p =  0.0406) who underwent the same protocol and were confirmed to be negative for the FMR1 mutation by DNA testing. We hypothesize that the increased prevalence of migraine headaches in FMR1 premutation carriers is likely related to the mitochondrial abnormalities that have recently been reported. Screening for migraine should be considered when evaluating FMR1 premutation carriers in the future.

Altered mTOR signaling and enhanced CYFIP2 expression levels in subjects with fragile X syndrome

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common form of inherited intellectual disability and autism. The protein (FMRP) encoded by the fragile X mental retardation gene (FMR1), is an RNA-binding protein linked to translational control. Recently, in the Fmr1 knockout mouse model of FXS, dysregulated translation initiation signaling was observed. To investigate whether an altered signaling was also a feature of subjects with FXS compared to typical developing controls, we isolated total RNA and translational control proteins from lymphocytes of subjects from both groups (38 FXS and 14 TD). Although we did not observe any difference in the expression level of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) for translational initiation control proteins isolated from participant with FXS, we found increased phosphorylation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) substrate, p70 ribosomal subunit 6 kinase1 (S6K1) and of the mTOR regulator, the serine/threonine protein kinase (Akt), in their protein lysates. In addition, we observed increased phosphorylation of the cap binding protein eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) suggesting that protein synthesis is upregulated in FXS. Similar to the findings in lymphocytes, we observed increased phosphorylation of S6K1 in brain tissue from patients with FXS (n = 4) compared to normal age-matched controls (n = 4). Finally, we detected increased expression of the cytoplasmic FMR1-interacting protein 2 (CYFIP2), a known FMRP interactor. This data verify and extend previous findings using lymphocytes for studies of neuropsychiatric disorders and provide evidence that misregulation of mTOR signaling observed in the FXS mouse model also occurs in human FXS and may provide useful biomarkers for designing targeted treatments in FXS.

Clinical involvement in daughters of men with fragile X-associated tremor ataxia syndrome

Women with the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) premutation often have concerns about neurological and medical problems, as they become older and if their fathers experience fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS). We therefore determined the prevalence of these problems in 110 daughters of men with FXTAS [mean age of 44.8 years (SD 8.2)]. We compared them with 43 female controls with normal FMR1 alleles [mean age of 43.8 years (SD 8.1)] and 36 premutation carrier daughters of parents with the premutation, but without FXTAS [mean age of 43.5 years (SD 7.7)]. Overall, daughters of men with FXTAS have a higher prevalence of neurological symptoms including tremor, balance problems, memory problems, and dizziness, menopausal symptoms, and psychiatric involvement including sleep problems and anxiety when compared with non-carrier female controls. Reported balance problems and menopausal symptoms were significantly higher in daughters of men with FXTAS than in carrier daughters of parents without FXTAS, suggesting the potential influence of background gene effects. Therefore, neurological, psychological and gynecological surveillance should be warranted to better provide appropriate counseling, management and care for daughters of men with FXTAS. Biological markers of additional gene effects that predispose individuals with the premutation to FXTAS need to be developed.

A pilot open label, single dose trial of fenobam in adults with fragile X syndrome

Objective:

A pilot open label, single dose trial of fenobam, an mGluR5 antagonist, was conducted to provide an initial evaluation of safety and pharmacokinetics in adult males and females with fragile X syndrome (FXS).

Methods:

Twelve subjects, recruited from two fragile X clinics, received a single oral dose of 50–150 mg of fenobam. Blood for pharmacokinetic testing, vital signs and side effect screening was obtained at baseline and numerous time points for 6 h after dosing. Outcome measures included prepulse inhibition (PPI) and a continuous performance test (CPT) obtained before and after dosing to explore the effects of fenobam on core phenotypic measures of sensory gating, attention and inhibition.

Results:

There were no significant adverse reactions to fenobam administration. Pharmacokinetic analysis showed that fenobam concentrations were dose dependent but variable, with mean (SEM) peak values of 39.7 (18.4) ng/ml at 180 min after the 150 mg dose. PPI met a response criterion of an improvement of at least 20% over baseline in 6 of 12 individuals (4/6 males and 2/6 females). The CPT did not display improvement with treatment due to ceiling effects.

Conclusions:

Clinically significant adverse effects were not identified in this study of single dose fenobam across the range of dosages utilised. The positive effects seen in animal models of FXS treated with fenobam or other mGluR5 antagonists, the apparent lack of clinically significant adverse effects, and the potential beneficial clinical effects seen in this pilot trial support further study of the compound in adults with FXS.

Microscopic pulmonary embolisation of an indwelling central venous catheter with granulomatous inflammatory response

Indwelling catheters can disintegrate into tiny fragments and embolise. Once the fragments are detected radiographically, they can be removed using vascular intervention techniques. Rarely, indwelling catheters dwindle into inextricable pieces that embolise into minute pulmonary vessels and lymphatics, causing granulomatous changes microscopically. The present study reports a 54-yr-old female who had received several indwelling central lines during several abdominal surgeries over a 5-yr period. The patient developed a noncaseating granulomatous skin lesion followed by exertional dyspnoea a few months later. Chest radiographs and computed tomography showed diffuse interstitial infiltrates. Open lung biopsy showed two types of granulomas: 1) peri-lymphangitic and peri-bronchiolar non-necrotising granulomas consistent with sarcoidosis; and 2) distinct foreign body granulomas. In some of the foreign body granulomas, confocal Raman spectroscopy identified the presence of bisphenol-A-polycarbonate, a polymer commonly used in biomedical devices. The patient improved following treatment with prednisone followed by methotrexate. The present case illustrates an interesting combination of two causes of granulomatous disease, the importance of examining all biopsy specimens from sarcoidosis patients for foreign particles and the rare occurrence of microscopic embolisation of catheter fragments to the lung with foreign-body giant cell reaction to them.

[The anatomical basis and sources of error of selective and supraselective gastric vagotomies (author's transl)]

An anatomical study, based essentially upon 38 dissections of formol-preserved specimens, was used to identify the different characteristics of the vagus nerve which might have an influence on different vagotomy techniques. The arrangement of the different vagal structures (principal and accessory) at the oesophageal orifice is described in full. The most criminal branches are pointed out with particular emphasis. Distribution branches unknown or poorly known up to the present have been demonstrated. The principal nerves of the lesser curvature and their endings are reviewed in the context of supraselective vagotomy. The discussion emphasis the most important anatomical details relevant to the achievement of adequate supraselective vagotomy.