Selenylation to charge transfer improvement at the counter electrode (CE)/electrolyte interface for nanocrystalline Cu1.8S1-xSex CEs

Pt counter electrodes (CEs) have been widely used in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) due to their high conductivity and electrocatalytic activity. However, industrialization of DSSCs is limited by shortcomings of Pt CEs such as being expensive, and weak corrosion resistance in electrolytes. Reported in this paper is two simple approaches to Pt-free Cu_1.8S_1-xSe_x CEs. Nanocrystalline Cu_1.8S_1-xSe_x CEs were fabricated via two processes, that is, a solvothermal process to Cu_1.8S_1-xSe_x powder followed by CE fabrication, and a solvothermal process and CE fabrication to Cu_1.8S films followed by selenylation to Cu_1.8S_1-xSe_x CEs. Photoelectric conversion efficiencies (PCE) of 4.02% and 4.16% were achieved respectively by the as-fabricated Cu_1.8S_1-xSe_x CEs. Compared with the cells with Cu_1.8S CEs fabricated by the same processes, increases of 19% and 45% were achieved, respectively. The PCE improvement comes from the enhancement of charge transfer at the CE/electrolyte interface induced by the selenylation of the CEs.

Screening and bioinformatics analysis of cellular proteins interacting with chicken bromodomain-containing protein 2 in DF-1 cells

1. Bromodomain-containing protein 2 (BRD2) is an important member of the BET protein family, which can specifically bind histone acetylated lysine to participate in gene transcriptional regulation, chromatin remodelling, cell proliferation and apoptosis. The following investigation of cellular proteins interacting with chBRD2 will be helpful in understanding the new functions of chBRD2 and the mechanism of NDV replication.2. The recombinant eukaryotic expression vector pEGFP-chBRD2 and empty vector pEGFP-C1 were transfected into DF-1 cells to overexpress GFP-chBRD2 and GFP, respectively. GO annotation, KEGG pathway, and protein-protein interaction network were used to analyse the cellular proteins interacting with chBRD2. In addition, one targeted protein was selected to verify its interaction with chBRD2 using fluorescent co-localisation and Co-IP.3. A total of 225 cellular proteins were identified that potentially interact with chBRD2. GO analysis showed that these play key roles in gene transcriptional regulation, cell cycle and development, immunity and viral infection. Further KEGG pathway analysis showed that these proteins were mainly involved in genetic information processing, immune system, cellular processes and translation. In addition, one targeted cellular protein chicken matrin 3 (chMATR3) was also identified as chBRD2 complex using both fluorescence co-localisation and Co-IP analysis.4. This study presents the interactome data of chBRD2 protein in DF-1 cells, which provides new information to understand the functions of chBRD2 and new targets for further investigating the replication and pathogenesis of NDV.

[Clinical and pathological differences between papillary thyroid carcinoma with Graves' disease and papillary thyroid carcinoma with Hashimoto's thyroiditis]

Objective: To explore the clinical and pathological differences between papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) with Graves' disease (GD) and PTC with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT). Methods: A total of 33 PTC patients with GD and 132 PTC patients with HT in the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University from January 2009 to December 2015 were enrolled. The clinical and histopathological data were analyzed. Results: The average serum concentration of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) of PTCs with GD was significantly lower than PTCs with HT [0.01 (0, 0.10) mU/L vs 2.28(1.51, 3.14) mU/L, P<0.001]. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in nodule diameter [(15.7±7.0) mm vs (13.5±7.8)mm, P=0.14], percentage of lymph node metastasis (LNM) [33.3%(11/33) vs 39.4%(52/132), P=0.52], TNM stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ disease [12.1%(4/33) vs 11.4% (15/132), P=1.00], papillary thyroid micro-carcinoma (PTMC) [60.6% (20/33) vs 60.6%(80/132), P=1.00]and classic PTC in all its variant patterns [81.8%(27/33) vs 75.0%(99/132), P=0.36]. The age (P<0.01, OR=0.95, 95%CI: 0.92-0.98) and PTMC (P<0.01, OR=0.30, 95%CI: 0.13-0.67), rather than TSH (P=0.08) were independently correlated with LNM. Recurrence rate of PTC with GD was significantly lower than PTC with HT (log-rank test, P=0.03). In Cox proportional hazards regression model, variant pattern of PTC was independently correlated with recurrence rate (P<0.05). Conclusions: GD with PTC wasn't different from HT concomitant with PTC, except for thyroid function test. In addition, recurrence rate of PTC with GD was lower than that of PTC with HT after controlling TSH in the same level.

Hyperhomocysteinaemia, low folate concentrations and methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase C677T mutation in acute mesenteric venous thrombosis

OBJECTIVES

Acute mesenteric venous thrombosis (AMVT) was first reported by Fagge and was recognised as a distinct clinical entity by Warreen in 1935. However, its pathogenesis is still unclear. Elevated plasma levels of homocysteine (Hcy) are associated with an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis. This case-control study examines the potential association among hyperhomocysteinaemia (hyper-Hcy), low serum folate and vitamin B(12) levels and the common C677T mutation of the MTHFR gene in patients with AMVT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty-three patients with AMVT and 75 sex- and age-matched healthy controls were recruited, and their plasma Hcy, folate and vitamin B(12) levels were measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and immunological assays. The polymorphism of MTHFR C677T was detected by PCR-RFLP.

RESULTS

The mean plasma Hcy levels were significantly higher in patients with AVMT compared with controls (23.5 standard deviation (S.D.) 8.8 vs. 12.6+/-6.6micromoll(-1), P<0.01). The fasting Hcy correlated negatively with folate (AMVT: r=-0.42, P<0.01;

CONTROL

r=-0.40, P<0.01). The frequency of homozygous (TT) genotype in MTHFR C677T mutation was significantly higher in patients with AMVT than that in control subjects (33% vs. 17%; chi square (chi(2))=6.31, P<0.05; odds ratio (OR)=2.80; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.25-6.25). Compared with the control subjects, the mean serum vitamin B(12) levels were lower in patients, but it was not statistically significant (365+/-88pmoll(-1) vs. 408+/-108pmoll(-1), P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Hyper-Hcy and low serum folate levels were associated with an increased risk of AMVT. The homozygous (TT) genotype of MTHFR gene mutation may be a crucial hereditary risk factor in the development of AMVT for a Chinese population.

Acute mesenteric venous thrombosis: a better outcome achieved through improved imaging techniques and a changed policy of clinical management

OBJECTIVE

To analyse and compare the results obtained from acute mesenteric venous thrombosis (MVT) patients before and after the change of the clinical management principle, to assess the factors responsible for the recent better outcome and determine the best management for this disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 41 patients treated for acute MVT admitted in our hospital between 1978 and 2003. Before 1995 (Group I), our policy was to perform surgery in patients with suspected acute MVT. After 1995 (Group II), we changed our policy to a medical approach when achievable. Each patient in this study was assessed for diagnosis, initial management (operative or non-operative), mortality, duration of hospitalisation, and outcome.

RESULTS

There were 13 in Group I, 28 in Group II. The mean duration of diagnoses made after admission was 7.3 S.D. 2.6 days for patients in Group I, and 1.5 S.D. 1.2 days for those in Group II (p<0.01, Student's t-test). Eleven patients underwent operations and two patients received non-operative treatment initially in group I, the mortality was 39%; while nine patients underwent operations and 19 patients received non-operative management in group II, the mortality was 11% (p<0.05). No death occurred in the patients with initial non-operative management. The mean duration of hospitalisation was 26 S.D. 6.8 days in Group I and 12.6 S.D. 4.6 days in Group II (p<0.01, Student's t-test). No significant difference in 2-year survival rate between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Recent improvements in imaging techniques and better understanding of the aetiology have led to a dramatic change in the principle and policy of clinical management for acute MVT, which leads to a more favourable outcome of acute MVT.

[Determination of iron(II) in the Chinese herbal medicine based on the fluorescence quenching of phenanthroline]

A new spectrofluorimetric method for the determination of trace amounts of iron(II) has been developed. This method is based on the fluorescence quenching of phenanthroline due to the formation of complex Fe(II)-phen. In pH = 4.6-7.1 buffer solution, Fe(II) and phen react to form a red complex. Its composition is established by method of continuous variations and molar-ratio as Fe (II): phen = 1:2. The exitation and emission wavelength are found to be 265 nm and 365 nm, respectively. There is a linear relationship in the range of 24-112 ng.mL-1 for Fe(II). The detection limit of Fe(II) is 4.1 ng.mL-1. This method is simple and rapid, and has been applied to the determination of iron in the chinese herbal medicine.

Management of extracranial carotid artery aneurysms: 17 years' experience

OBJECTIVES

a retrospective review of seventeen-year (1980-1996) experience of the management of extracranial carotid artery aneurysms.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

sixty-six aneurysms of extracranial carotid artery were seen in 63 patients. The diagnosis was confirmed by angiography in 51 patients and duplex ultrasonography in twelve. Twenty-eight (42%) patients had an atherosclerotic aneurysm, twenty-two (33%) had false aneurysms secondary to trauma, nine were congenital and seven were mycotic. All underwent aneurysm resection with saphenous-vein-graft interposition as the most common means of reconstruction.

RESULTS

one death occurred due to septicaemia in a diabetic patient with a mycotic aneurysm, giving an operative mortality of 1.5%. One patient had an immediate hemiparesis after carotid artery ligation, and three had a hemiparesis within 48 hours of operation (6.1%). After a change in technique to avoid a residual carotid stump, no further neurological problems were encountered in the following 28 patients.

CONCLUSION

extracranial carotid aneurysms may be successfully managed with resection and reconstruction with autogenous saphenous vein. End-to-side anastomosis avoids a blind-ending stump which may be the source of emboli.

Esophageal reconstruction by jejunal transfer

Forty-five esophageal reconstructions were carried out using a free or pedicled transfer of jejunal segments. Thirty were performed for benign stenosis or atresia, and 13 were performed for malignancy. The remaining two were used to repair anastomotic leakage or fistulization resulting from prior esophagogastrostomy. Average anastomotic arterial and venous diameters were 1.2 mm and 3.0 mm respectively. Of the 45 reconstructions, 44 were successful; the single failure was the result of tearing of the mesenteric arcade. There were four fatalities. Jejunal transfer is an effective method of esophageal reconstruction.

[The diagnosis and surgical treatment of Leriches syndrome: an analysis of 16 cases]

The authors report 16 cases of atherosclerotic obliteration of the terminal abdominal aorta seen in the period of 1987-1991. Early diagnosis can be made by using color doppler, and angiography and DSA are very important to determinate the clinical patterns and occlusive locations. A/B Index is also valuable in the diagnosis and treatment. Clinically, it should be differentiated from orthopedic, neurologic and urologic diseases, surgical procedure varies with occlusive location, clinical patterns, general status, and conditions of the affected blood vessels. Follow-up found that Y type aorto-femoral bypass get the best result with one-year unobstructed rate of 100% in all cases, and five-year cumulative unobstructed rate of 75%. The outcome of auxiliary-femoral bypass grafts were the least satisfactory, with the five-year cumulative unobstructed rate of only 34%. Comprehensive therapy should be adopted to improve the long-term cumulative unobstructed rate.

[Dacron grafts transplanted to abdominal aorta of dogs in different stages: histomorphological study]

After dacron vessel transplantation in 10 dogs, we analysed the middle-bore Chinese dacron grafts transplanted to the abdominal aorta of dogs and observed histomorphologically changes of the grafts in different stages within 12 weeks. 2cm-long dacron artificial vessel transplantation to the abdominal aorta took 4 weeks for the new endothelial membrane, which mainly comes from the proliferation of the contiguous arterial endothelial smooth muscle fibers, to cover the inner wall of the grafts. More time was needed for endothelial cells than the self vessels to cover the dacron grafts the dacron grafts endothelial membrane was not intact and stable in 7 weeks after operation. The autoclaving dacron grafts should not be used repeatedly.

[Prevention and treatment of complications after portoazygous disconnection for portal hypertension]

From 1978 to 1990, 35 complications were encountered in 203 cases of portoazygous disconnection in our hospital including intra-abdominal hemorrhage, AHF, ARF, ARDS, and gastric or pancreatic fistulae. The mortality rate was 8% with Hassab's operation, and 38% with Sugiura's, respectively. Emergency operation carried with a mortality of 31.1%, Whereas selective operation only 2.5%. 3.2% of all cases in Child's A group succumbed Postoperatively and 62% in Child's C group. The authors discussed the causes of the complications and ways to prevent them.

[Treatment of 10 cases of multiple organ failure]

From 1985 to 1987, 10 cases of multiple organ failure (MOF) caused by severe infection, major surgery, and trauma were treated in our hospital. The sequence of the organs that came to a failure varied with different diseases. The diagnosis was made on the objective index and numbers of the failed organs. All patients were monitored and treated with modern medical equipment including hemodialysis, plasma-exchanging technique, and artificial heart-lung machine. It was found that the increase of curative rate lay on the intensive care and comprehensive treatment. Five patients in this group survived, and the diagnosis of MOF was finally confirmed by autopsy (heart, lung, liver, kidney, brain, and GI tract) in three cases. Based on the pathological findings, the authors suggested that patients with MOF could only be cured when the disease was on its first, second, or early third stage.