Rounded Cu2ZnSnS4 nanosheet networks as a cost-effective counter electrode for high-efficiency dye-sensitized solar cells.

Semi-transparent rounded Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) nanosheet networks were in situ grown on a FTO glass substrate, via an effective solution method, without any post-treatments. An improved power conversion efficiency of 6.24% was obtained by applying CZTS nanosheet networks as a counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells. When assisted by a mirror reflection, the PCE increased to 7.12%.

[Synthesis and anti-inflammatory activity of ursolic acid derivative-chalcone conjugates].

A series of novel conjugates with ursolic acid core and different chalcone ligands were synthesized via ursolic acid, 4-hydroxyacetophenone and aromatic aldehydes. All of the conjugates were confirmed by the application of IR, (1)H NMR, (13C) NMR and HR-MS. The anti-inflammatory effect was observed for the target compounds in xylene-induced mouse ear edema and carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats. The preliminary bioassay test demonstrated that these compounds had potent anti-inflammatory activities, and their activities were better than that of the parent ursolic acid. Among them, 1-en-3-oxoursolic acid-chalcone conjugates (6a-6g) exhibited higher activities than analogues 5a-5g and 7a-7g.

Delayed primary closure versus primary closure for wound management in perforated appendicitis: a prospective randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: It is still a matter of debate whether delayed primary closure (DPC) of contaminated abdominal incisions reduces surgical site infections compared with a primary closure (PC). The aim of this study was to determine the optimal method of wound closure for patients with perforated appendicitis. METHODS: A total of 70 patients with perforated appendicitis were included. They were randomized to have their surgical incisions (skin and subcutaneous tissue) either PC or left open with Betadine-soaked gauze packing for DPC on the fifth postoperative day or later if the wound conditions were inappropriate for closure. A wound was considered infected if pus discharged from the incision site. The main outcome measures were the incidence of wound infection and the length of hospital stay (LOS). RESULTS: In the entire series, wound infection developed after incision closure in 21.4% of the patients. The PC group had a higher incidence of wound infection (38.9% vs. 2.9%, p<0.001) and longer LOS (8.4 days vs. 6.3 days, p=0.038). CONCLUSION: Delayed primary closure is the optimal management strategy for perforated appendicitis wounds. It significantly reduces the wound infection rate and length of stay.

Nerve invasion by epithelial cells in benign breast diseases.

Nerve invasion by glandular epithelial cells in a lesion is usually regarded as invasive carcinoma. However, some benign conditions in the pancreas, prostate, breast and other organs may show involvement of nerve bundles by benign epithelial cells. We report an 18-year-old female with nerve invasion in benign breast disease. The lesion in her right breast revealed fibrocystic changes with ductal hyperplasia and stromal sclerosis. Perineural and intraneural involvement by bland-looking small ducts lined by 2 layers of cells including an outer layer of myoepithelial cells were found, suggestive of benign nerve invasion. There was no evidence of malignant cells in any of the sections. The patient remains well after 31 months of follow-up. About 44 cases of nerve invasion in benign breast diseases have been reported in the literature. It is necessary to carefully evaluate nerve involvement in breast lesions to avoid over-diagnosis and inappropriate operation.

Comparison of primary wound closure versus open wound management in perforated appendicitis.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Open wound management has long been the most common practice after appendectomy for perforated appendicitis. Primary closure, however, has recently been advocated to reduce cost and morbidity. The aim of this study was to compare the results of open wound management and primary wound closure in adult patients (age, > or =15 years) with perforated appendicitis. METHODS: Hospital records of 390 patients (age, > or =15 years) who underwent appendectomy between January 2002 and December 2004 were reviewed to identify surgical wound infection (SWI) and pathologic diagnosis. Perforated appendicitis was the indication for appendectomy in 65 of these patients. The incision wounds in these 65 patients were closed primarily in 41 and left open at the end of the operation in 24. The duration of symptoms, white blood cell count, operative time, incidence of SWI, length of stay (LOS) and readmission rate were compared between patients with these two different methods of wound management. RESULTS: Patients whose wounds were closed primarily had a higher incidence of SWI (43.9% vs. 4.2%, p < 0.001) and longer LOS (10 days vs. 7.9 days, p = 0.044). The readmission rate was also higher for patients whose wounds were closed primarily; however, this difference was not significant. CONCLUSION: Open wound management may be preferable to primary wound closure for perforated appendicitis in adults because of a lower incidence of SWI and a shorter LOS. Randomized clinical trials, however, are needed to establish these findings.