Effects of Cation Exchange in Rhodamine B Photocatalytic Degradation Using Peroxo-Titanate Nanotubes.

Lepidocrocite-type layered sodium titanate (NaxH2-xTi2O5) is widely used in environmental remediation because of its large specific surface area, formed by anisotropic crystal growth, and its ability to store and exchange cations between layers. Additionally, peroxo-titanate nanotubes (PTNTs), which are tubular titanates with peroxy groups, exhibit visible-light absorption capabilities, rendering them suitable for photocatalytic applications under visible light irradiation. However, because of cation exchange reactions, the Na+ concentration and pH of the solution can fluctuate under aqueous conditions, affecting the photocatalytic performance of the PTNTs. Herein, we evaluated the impact of cation exchange reactions on the photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B (Rh B) by PTNTs at controlled Na+ ratios. The observed pH of Rh B solutions increases due to the cation exchange reaction with Na+ and H3O+, leading to the formation of zwitter-ionic Rh B molecules, eventually weakening their adsorption and photodegradation performance. Moreover, the results indicate that inhibiting the pH increase of the Rh B solution can prevent the weakening of both the adsorption and photodegradation performance of PTNTs. This study highlights the significance of regulating the sodium ion content in layered titanate materials, emphasizing their importance in optimizing these materials' photocatalytic efficacy for environmental purification applications.

Porous Lithium Disilicate Glass-Ceramics Prepared by Cold Sintering Process Associated with Post-Annealing Technique.

Using melt-derived LD glass powders and 5-20 M NaOH solutions, porous lithium disilicate (Li2Si2O5, LD) glass-ceramics were prepared by the cold sintering process (CSP) associated with the post-annealing technique. In this novel technique, H2O vapor originating from condensation reactions between residual Si-OH groups in cold-sintered LD glasses played the role of a foaming agent. With the increasing concentration of NaOH solutions, many more residual Si-OH groups appeared, and then rising trends in number as well as size were found for spherical pores formed in the resultant porous LD glass-ceramics. Correspondingly, the total porosities and average pore sizes varied from 25.6 ± 1.3% to 48.6 ± 1.9% and from 1.89 ± 0.68 µm to 13.40 ± 10.27 µm, respectively. Meanwhile, both the volume fractions and average aspect ratios of precipitated LD crystals within their pore walls presented progressively increasing tendencies, ranging from 55.75% to 76.85% and from 4.18 to 6.53, respectively. Young's modulus and the hardness of pore walls for resultant porous LD glass-ceramics presented remarkable enhancement from 56.9 ± 2.5 GPa to 79.1 ± 2.1 GPa and from 4.6 ± 0.9 GPa to 8.1 ± 0.8 GPa, whereas their biaxial flexural strengths dropped from 152.0 ± 6.8 MPa to 77.4 ± 5.4 MPa. Using H2O vapor as a foaming agent, this work reveals that CSP associated with the post-annealing technique is a feasible and eco-friendly methodology by which to prepare porous glass-ceramics.

[A Case of Advanced Esophageal Cancer with Esophago-Bronchial Fistula Closed by Pembrolizumab plus Chemotherapy Therapy].

We report a case of unresectable advanced esophageal cancer with an esophageal fistula that was treated with pembrolizumab plus CDDP plus 5-FU therapy and the fistula was closed. A 73-year-old male was diagnosed with cervical-upper thoracic esophageal cancer and esophago-bronchial fistula on CT and esophagogastroduodenoscopy. He underwent chemotherapy containing pembrolizumab. The fistula was closed after 4 cycles and oral intake became possible. Six months have passed since the first visit and chemotherapy is ongoing. The prognosis of esophago-bronchial fistula is extremely poor, and there is no established treatment, including fistula closure. Chemotherapy containing immune checkpoint inhibitors could considered to be expected not only for local control but also for long-term survival.

Lewis acid-triggered photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide production in an aluminum-based metal-organic framework.

Al-MIL-101-NH2, which was previously regarded as being inactive as a photocatalyst, produces hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) via O2 reduction under visible-light irradiation, accompanied by efficient suppression of undesired H2O2 decomposition. The low-coordination Lewis acid sites in trimetric Al-oxo clusters are crucial for the electron transfer to O2.

Falciform ligament hernia with specific abdominal symptom.

Falciform ligament hernia is a very rare internal hernia and is difficult to diagnose before surgery. We report a case of falciform ligament hernia with a specific symptom and image findings, which led to an accurate diagnosis and subsequent laparoscopic surgery. A 15-year-old adolescent boy with no previous medical history showed epigastric pain and was referred to our hospital. The abdominal pain was strong in the supine position and was alleviated in the knee-chest position. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed that the round ligament was recognized as a cord-like structure, and the mesentery of the small intestine was located at the cranioventral side of the ligament. He was diagnosed as having falciform ligament hernia, and emergency laparoscopic surgery was performed. The small intestine passed through the falciform ligament; however, it showed no sign of ischemia, and bowel resection was not required. The malposed intestine was repositioned, and the falciform ligament was cut to prevent hernia recurrence. The specific abdominal symptom and computed tomography image finding were useful to make the correct diagnosis in this case.

Sr2+ sorption property of seaweed-like sodium titanate mats: effects of crystallographic properties.

Layered sodium titanate is a typical ion-exchanger for water purification aimed at removing cationic heavy metals and radionuclides. The material design of an ion-exchanger is effective for cation removal. For that purpose, understanding the basic impacts of crystallographic properties such as crystal size, morphology, and phase is critical for developing highly functional nanoscale ion-exchangers. In this study, we investigate the principal relationship between the crystallographic properties of seaweed-like sodium titanate mats (SSTs), which consist of a dititanate (H x Na2-x Ti2O5) phase of nanofibers synthesised by the alkaline hydrothermal method and their Sr2+ sorption mechanism. A trititanate (H x Na2-x Ti3O7) phase, which has a micro-sized fibre morphology, was also synthesised using the same method by adjusting the NaOH concentration. The SST demonstrates a high ion-exchange selectivity of Sr2+ against H+ and a high maximum sorption capacity (2 mmol g-1), which was four times higher than that of the trititanate phase (0.49 mmol g-1). In contrast, the trititanate phase, which is the comparison target, had a low Sr2+ ion-exchange selectivity and precipitated SrCO3. We conclude that these differences in Sr2+ sorption mechanisms were derived from not only the unique morphology but also the crystal structure of sodium titanates. Although almost all of the Na+ in dititanate with lamellar structure was consumed by the ion-exchange reaction, some Na+ remained in the trititanate because there are two sites in the zigzag layered structure. These findings on the crystallographic properties of SST for Sr2+ sorption may contribute to the functionalisation of a nanoscale ion-exchanger.

[Lung Metastasis from Alpha-Fetoprotein Resulting in Esophagogastric Junction Cancer-A Case Report].

A 51-year-old male underwent total gastrectomy for esophagogastric junction cancer(T3N0M0, Stage ⅡA). He was diagnosed with an alpha-fetoprotein(AFP) producing tumor and hepatoid adenocarcinoma. One month after radical surgery, computed tomography(CT) showed lung metastasis, and the patient's serum AFP level was high. He underwent chemotherapy( S-1 and wPTX/RAM)and eventually died 4 months after surgery.

Metal-organic framework-based nanomaterials for photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide production.

As an environmentally friendly and renewable energy source, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) could be produced photocatalytically through selective two-electron reduction of O2 using effective photocatalysts. Metal organic frameworks (MOFs), as hybrid porous materials consisting of organic linkers and metal oxide clusters, have aroused great interest in the design of effective catalysts for photocatalysis under visible light irradiation due to their unique properties, such as large surface area, good chemical stability, and diverse and tunable chemical components. In this perspective, we highlight our recent progress in the application of various MOF-based nanomaterials for photocatalytic H2O2 production from the selective two-electron reduction of O2 in a single-phase system (acetonitrile) and two-phase system (water/benzyl alcohol). Photocatalytic H2O2 production in the single-phase system achieved a higher activity using NiO as a cocatalyst of the MOF rather than Pt. Photocatalytic H2O2 production in the two-phase system using various hydrophobic MOFs showed further improved activity compared to the single-phase system. It has been possible to design a hydrophobic MOF-based photocatalyst with high activity and stability under recycling conditions. These studies gathered in this perspective revealed the novel application of MOFs in the field of energy production.

Sorption capacity of seaweed-like sodium titanate mats for Co2+ removal.

The development of new technologies for securing and recycling water resources are in high demand. A key focus of these technologies is the development of various ion exchangers or adsorbents that are used for the purification of aqueous solutions. Layered sodium titanate is one of the cation exchangers utilised in the removal of heavy metals and radionuclides from wastewater. To enhance the removal efficiency, the precise design of the crystal morphology, structure, and chemical composition is important. Herein, we synthesised a unique seaweed-like sodium titanate mat (SST) using a template-free alkaline hydrothermal process. The Co2+ sorption capacity of SST was investigated by batch testing with cobalt(ii) nitrate. SST, which was synthesised from titanium sulphate in a 10 M NaOH solution at 200 °C, had a seaweed-like structure composed of randomly distributed nanofibres of layered sodium titanate that is approximately 9 nm in diameter. The crystal shape changed from roundish crystals to fibrous crystals as the hydrothermal reaction period increased. The Co2+ sorption isotherm of SST was fitted with the Langmuir isotherm model and the maximum sorption density was 1.85 mmol g-1. The selectivity of the Co2+ sorption on SST was high in comparison to that of Ca2+ and Mg2+. Herein, the Co2+ sorption mechanisms of SST were studied in comparison with commercially available sodium titanate. Results show that controlling the crystal morphology, structure, and Na concentration of the layered titanate that can be ion-exchanged determines the cation sorption properties of sodium titanate.

[Two Cases of Alpha-Fetoprotein Producing Gastric Cancer].

Case 1: A 51-year-old man underwent total gastrectomy for esophagogastric junction cancer. Pathological diagnosis was alpha-fetoprotein(AFP)producing cancer. One month after the surgery, lung metastasis was found on CT. Despite systemic chemotherapy, he died 4 months after the surgery. Case 2: A 79-year-old man underwent open distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Pathological diagnosis was AFP producing cancer. Six months after the surgery, multiple lymph node metastases were found on CT. He received chemotherapy and radiation therapy. He is currently alive 9 years 8 months after the surgery.

Photocatalytic production of hydrogen peroxide through selective two-electron reduction of dioxygen utilizing amine-functionalized MIL-125 deposited with nickel oxide nanoparticles.

Photocatalytic H2O2 production via two-electron reduction of O2 was realized by visible-light irradiation of a metal-organic framework, MIL-125-NH2, in the presence of TEOA and benzylalcohol. Deposition of NiO nanoparticles onto MIL-125-NH2 dramatically enhanced the catalytic activity. Further studies suggested that fast disproportionation of the O2˙- intermediate to H2O2 resulted in the enhancement.