Coralloid W18O49@covalent organic frameworks S-scheme heterojunction for high efficiency photocatalytic aerobic oxidation

Reasonably designing and constructing efficient artificial S-mechanism photocatalysts, expanding their application in the field of photocatalytic organic synthesis, have become a hot and challenging topic in the photocatalysis. Herein, a series of coral-like W18O49@TpPa-H (TpPa-H represents COFs generated by the reaction of 1,3,5-triformylphloroglucinol (Tp) and p-phenylenediamine (Pa-H)) composites were successfully prepared by using a simple in-situ encapsulation strategy. Given the internal electric field at the S-scheme interface, W18O49 acts as an oxidative photocatalyst with sufficient positive valence band (VB) position and TpPa-H as a reductive one with enough negative conduction band (CB) position for the efficient amines oxidative coupling to imines. The resulting W18O49@TpPa-H-0.1 hybrid material shows both optimal benzylamine to imine conversion and selectivity exceeding 99 % within 4 h under 10 W 420 nm LED light irradiation, which is 9.9 and 2.8 fold greater than that of W18O49 and TpPa-H, respectively. The photocatalytic activity is even extended to 740 nm. Furthermore, the photocatalytic mechanism research confirmed that a high efficiency S-scheme heterojunction was formed between W18O49 and TpPa-H, and multiple active species, such as ·O2-, 1O2, and h+, synergistically participated in the reaction, imparting its excellent photocatalytic performance. This work may open new avenues for the development of high-efficiency COFs-based S-scheme heterojunction for organic photosynthesis.

[Effect of micro-implant assisted rapid palatal expansion in patients with different radiographic stages of mid-palatal suture maturation]

Objective: To evaluate the effect of micro-implant assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) in patients with different radiographic stages of midpalatal suture maturation. Methods: Twenty-eight patients [7 males and 21 females; age (15.5±5.5) years] with maxillary transverse deficiency were selected in the Department of Orthodontics, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University from February 2017 to October 2019. According to the fusion of the midpalatal suture, the patients were divided into two groups: 10 patients [3 males and 7 females; age (19.9±6.9) years] were in fusion group and 18 patients [4 males and 14 females; age (13.0±2.4) years] were in non-fusion group. Each patient had cone-beam CT (CBCT) images taken immediately after the placement of micro-implants (T1) and the completion of maxillary expansion (T2). The CBCT images were analyzed using the Dolphin Imaging software to evaluate the amount of midpalatal expansion and the percentages of bony expansion, etc. Statistical analysis was carried out to compare the two groups. Results: After MARPE treatment, the amount of sutural expansion in fusion group was (3.23±1.45) mm while that in non-fusion group was (4.97±1.47) mm (P<0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in the percentages of bony expansion efficiency between the non-fusion group (71±20)% and the fusion group (46±18)% (P<0.05). Conclusions: Bony expansion efficiency was affacted by the radiographic stages of midpalatal suture maturation.

Efficacy and Safety of Statin for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Prevention Among Chronic Liver Disease Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION AND AIM

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a deadly complication among patients with chronic liver disease (CLD). Controversies on the efficacy and safety of statin to prevent HCC among patients with CLD remain despite the growing evidences. We aim to investigate the efficacy and safety of using statin for HCC prevention among adult with CLD.

METHODS

We performed a systematic search of 4 electronic databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane library, and ClinicalTrial.gov) up to April 15, 2020. We selected all types of studies evaluating the statin use and the risk of HCC among CLD patients, regardless of language, region, publication date, or status. The primary endpoint was the pooled risk of HCC. The secondary endpoint was the risk of statin-associated myopathy.

RESULT

From 583 citations, we included a total of 13 studies (1,742,260 subjects, 7 types of statins), fulfilling the inclusion criteria, evaluating efficacy and safety of statin in CLD patients for HCC prevention. All studies were observational (2 nested case-control studies, 11 cohort studies), and no randomised trial was identified. We found that statin user has a lower pooled risk of HCC development (hazard ratio=0.57, 95% confidence interval: 0.52-0.62, I2=42%). HCC reduction was consistent among statin users in cirrhosis, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus infections. The risk of statin-associated myopathy was similar between statin user and nonuser (hazard ratio=1.07, 95% confidence interval=0.91-1.27).

CONCLUSION

Statin use was safe and associated with a lower pooled risk of HCC development among adults with CLD. Given the bias with observation studies, prospective randomised trial is needed to confirm this finding.

Acute liver failure and seizure: a case report of an unusual presentation of acute painless aortic dissection

Background

Painless aortic dissection presenting with seizure and acute liver failure is uncommon. We described a case of early recognition leading to successful treatment of painless aortic dissection with atypical presentation.

Case summary

A young lady presented with generalized tonic-clonic seizures coupled with hepatitic pattern of deranged liver function test. Examination revealed blood pressure of 99/75 mmHg and hepatic flap. Electrocardiography showed sinus tachycardia. Urgent bedside echocardiography showed preserved cardiac function without significant valvular pathology, but noted a moderate pericardial effusion. Abdominal Ultrasound excluded liver cirrhosis or biliary obstructions. Viral hepatitis serologies and anti-liver panel were negative. She was progressively hypotensive with concurrent acute liver failure and oliguric acute kidney injury. Despite no chest pain, her rising serum troponin and widened mediastinum prompted an urgent computed-tomography aortogram, which showed a 4.3 cm dilatation of ascending thoracic aorta with acute haemopericardium and cardiac tamponade. She was diagnosed with malperfusion syndrome from Stanford type A aortic dissection. She underwent emergent ascending aorta and aortic arch repair and dialysis. She experienced complete recovery in her kidney, liver, and neurological function post-operatively.

Discussion

Painless aortic dissection masquerade as acute liver failure is uncommon. We describe a successful early recognition of malperfusion syndrome from painless aortic dissection, thus providing window for timely, life-saving intervention. Clinical challenges in this case include: (i) atypical presentation of aortic dissection, (ii) worsening acute liver failure which could lead to unnecessary liver transplantation, and (iii) risk of contrast-induced nephropathy in the setting of acute renal failure.

Efficacy and Safety of IV albumin for non-spontaneous bacterial peritonitis infection among patients with cirrhosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Efficacy and Safety of intravenous albumin for non-spontaneous bacterial peritonitis infection among patients with cirrhosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials INTRODUCTION: Bacterial infection is a common cause of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) and death among cirrhosis. The benefit of intravenous (IV) albumin among cirrhosis with non-SBP infection remains unclear as individual studies are underpowered to detect the survival benefit of IV albumin.

AIM

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravenous albumin for non-SBP infection among cirrhosis patients.

METHODS

We performed a systematic search of electronic databases (Pubmed, MEDLINE and Clinicalkey) up to 1^st December 2019. Studies evaluating IV albumin for non-SBP infection were selected. Using random effect model, the pooled odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval (95%CI) and heterogeneity were assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 3 RCTs (406 subjects) fulfilling the inclusion criteria among 218 citations were identified. There was no significant heterogeneity across included studies. In this meta-analysis, we found that the pooled risk of renal impairment (RI) (OR=0.58, 95%CI: 0.28-1.23, I²=0%), mortality at 30 days (OR=1.61, 95%CI: 0.87-3.00, I²=0%) as well as mortality at 90 days (OR=1.30, 95%CI: 0.81-2.07, I²=0%) were similar between albumin and control group. Pooled event of pulmonary edema occurred more commonly in albumin group (OR 5.17, 95%CI 1.62-16.47, I²=0%). More subjects achieved resolution of ACLF in IV albumin group as compared to control group (OR=0.11, 95%CI: 0.02-0.69, p=0.02).

CONCLUSION

Albumin did not reduce the risk of RI and mortality, yet increases the risk of pulmonary edema. Albumin may promote recovery of ACLF, however, more data is required to validate this benefit.

Preoperative scar perception study comparing 'scarless' in the neck endoscopic thyroidectomy with open thyroidectomy: a cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

Open thyroidectomy is the most common approach to thyroid surgery. However, 'scarless' (in the neck) endoscopic thyroidectomy, consisting of endoscopic and robotic surgery, is progressively being adopted for its perceived cosmetic benefits. This study aims to determine the patient's preferred surgical approach and to identify the factors that influence their decision.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A pilot study consisting of 100 patients with a surgical thyroid disorder were prospectively recruited from a single tertiary centre. An interviewer-administered survey was conducted. Demographic, socioeconomic status, scar perception and an adapted body image scale were evaluated to identify factors that shaped the patient's perception of the surgical approach.

RESULTS

The mean age of participants was 54.5 ± 13.0 years; 72% were women and 87% Chinese. Of the 100 patients, 75 patients considered scarless endoscopic thyroidectomy as their preferred surgical approach while 25 patients opted for open thyroid surgery. Improvement in scar perception score between scarless endoscopic thyroidectomy and open thyroid surgery is associated with an increased willingness to choose scarless endoscopic thyroidectomy. The mean body image scale score was 6.9 ± 2.8, indicating no statistical difference between the surgical approaches. On multivariate analysis, improvement in scar perception score (odds ratio 3.38, 95% confidence interval 1.11-10.29) and having surgeon recommendation (odds ratio 6.38, 95% confidence interval 1.80-22.63) were independently associated with interest in scarless endoscopic thyroidectomy.

CONCLUSION

Patients interest in undergoing scarless endoscopic thyroidectomy is driven by improved scar perception and surgeon's recommendation compared with open thyroid surgery.

[Study on the effect of curculigoside on osteoporosis]

Objective: To investigate the regulation of curculigoside on osteogenic differentiation of MG63 and the protective effect on osteoporosis model mice. Methods: The effects of curculigoside on the survival rate of dexamethasone or H(2)O(2) treated MG63 were detected by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT). The specimens were divided into six groups: blank control group, blank administration group, model group (dexamethasone or H(2)O(2) treatment group), low dose group (dexamethasone or H(2)O(2)+1.0 μmol/L curculigoside), medium dose group (dexamethasone or H(2)O(2)+2.5 μmol/L curculigoside) and high dose group (dexamethasone or H(2)O(2)+5.0 μmol/L curculigoside), the sample size of each group was 10. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of osteogenic differentiation-related proteins [type Ⅰ collagen, integrin β1, osteoblast-specific transcription factor (Osterix), osteocalcin and osteopontin] in MG63 cells after 1, 7 and 14 days incubated with 0, 1.0, 2.5 and 5.0 μmol/L of curculigoside. The sample size for each group at each time point was six. The experimental mice were divided into 4 groups: blank group, model group (dexamethasone treatment group), curculigoside low-dose group (dexamethasone+5 mg/kg curculigoside) and high-dose group (dexamethasone+45 mg/kg curculigoside), twenty each. After treatment, the tibia of the mice in each group were subjected to sacral HE staining. The number of osteoclasts was counted, and the levels of oxidative related factors in serum were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: The MTT results showed that compared with the blank control group [(100±3.7)%], the cell survival rate decreased to (44.1±5.7)% after treatment with dexamethasone, and the survival rate increased to (79.7±3.8)% after treatment with 5.0 μmol/L of curculigoside. The cell survival rate decreased to (59.1±4.7)% after H(2)O(2) treatment, and the survival rate increased to (80.8±3.5)% after treatment with 2.5 μmol/L of curculigoside. The results of Western blotting showed that the expression of type Ⅰ collagen and integrin β1 in MG63 cells was significantly increased after 1.0, 2.5 and 5.0 μmol/L of curculigoside for 1, 7 and 14 days compared with 0 μmol/L of curculigo side for the same period. After increasing (P<0.05), the expression of Osterix and osteocalcin was significantly increased after 1 day of incubation (P<0.05). However, compared with 0 μmol/L curculigoside treatment, the expression of osteopontin in MG63 cells was not significantly different after incubation with 1.0, 2.5, 5.0 μmol/L of curculigoside for 7 and 14 days (P>0.05). Compared with the blank group, the number of tibia osteoclasts in the osteoporosis model group increased. In the low-dose and high-dose groups of curculigoside, the tibia cortex was more continuous and the number of osteoclasts decreased. Compared with the blank group, the activity of oxygen in the osteoporosis model group was significantly increased (P<0.05), and superoxide dimutase and catalase were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Conclusions: Curculigoside promotes the differentiation of MG63 cells by increasing the expression of osteoblast differentiation-related proteins, and has a certain therapeutic effect on dexamethasone-induced osteoporosis mice.