ABSTRACT
Using the first-principle calculations combined with the Boltzmann transport theory, we studied the thermoelectric properties of Y2CT2 (T = O, F, OH) MXenes. Specifically, the Seebeck coefficient, thermal and electrical conductivities under constant relaxation time approximation were calculated. Results show that for p-type carriers, Y2CO2 has the largest power factor of up to 0.0017 W m-1 K-2 when the carrier concentration is 4.067 × 1013 cm-2 at 900 K, at the same temperature, for n-type carriers, the concentration is 9.376 × 1013 cm-2, the power factor in Y2C(OH)2 is 0.0026 W m-1 K-2. In particular, the figure of merit in Y2CF2 is 1.38 at 900 K because of its low thermal conductivity, indicating that it can be considered a potential medium-temperature thermoelectric material. In addition, the thermodynamics properties within 32 GPa and 900 K, such as bulk modulus, heat capacity and thermal expansion, are also estimated using the quasi-harmonic Debye model. Our results may offer some valuable hints for the potential application of Y2CT2 (T = O, F, OH) in the thermoelectric field.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (CXPA) is defined as a malignant salivary gland tumor arising from a primary or recurrent pleomorphic adenoma. Only three cases of CXPA of the trachea have been reported in the literature. CASE SUMMARY: We report a case of tracheal CXPA in a 55-year-old woman, who presented with a more than 3-mo history of progressive dyspnea. Computed tomography of the neck and thorax revealed an inhomogeneous, broad-based lesion arising from the tracheal wall on the right side. Endoscopy revealed a subglottic neoplasm causing up to 90% luminal stenosis. The tumor was resected using a high-frequency electrosurgical snare combined with argon plasma coagulation. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry revealed that the tumor was a CXPA of the trachea. CONCLUSION: We report the fourth case of tracheal CXPA, and present the first instance of resection of CXPA using high-frequency electrosurgical snare and laser ablation. We also discuss the pathogenesis, diagnosis, histopathology, and systemic therapy of this rare disease.
ABSTRACT
Objective Both triptolide and pulsed radiofrequency can effectively alleviate neuropathic pain (NP). This study aims to investigate the effects of combined treatment with triptolide and pulsed radiofrequency on Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and inflammatory factors by establishing a spinal nerve ligation (SNL) rat NP model, thus providing a new idea for NP therapy. Methods A rat NP model of SNL was established, and sham surgery group, model group, triptolide group, pulsed radio frequency group and combined treatment group were set up. The mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) of rats in each group was measured at preoperative (Day 1) and postoperative (Days 1, 3, 5, 7 and 14) time points. Spinal dorsal root ganglion was collected 3, 7 and 14 days after the surgery, and mRNA expression levels of Wnt-3α and β-catenin were detected by RT-PCR, protein expression levels of iNOS and COX-2 by Western blot, and relative expression levels of GAP-43 by immunohistochemical staining. Results The MWT of the model group, triptolide group and pulsed radiofrequency group (7.38±0.08, 9.31±0.23, 8.46±0.30) were lower than that of the combined treatment group (11.65±0.19), with a statistically significant difference (P<0.05). The relative expression levels of Wnt-3α, β-catenin, iNOS mRNA and COX-2 mRNA after the combined treatment were significantly lower than those of the model group, triptolide group and pulsed radiofrequency group (P<0.05). The relative expression levels of GAP-43 after the combined treatment (1.23±0.02) was significantly higher than that of the model group, triptolide group and pulsed radiofrequency group (1.01±0.02, 0.94±0.03, 0.79±0.01), with a statistically significant difference (P<0.05). Conclusion The effects of the combined treatment is significantly better than that of triptolide and pulsed radiofrequency alone, as the combination has a stronger relieving effect on nerve inflammation and promotes the regeneration of nerve cells.
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of the suicide awareness program (SAP) in enhancing community volunteers' awareness of suicide warning signs (SWSs). Seventy-six participants were recruited in this study to complete the Awareness of Suicide Warning Signs Questionnaire before and after they received a 90-minute SAP. After the educational intervention, the mean score of the participants on awareness of SWSs was elevated from 3.97 to 4.53. The percentage of SWSs perceived increased from 46.88% to 84.38%. This shows that the SAP for community volunteers is effective in promoting suicide awareness.
