Graphitic Carbon Nitride as a Promising Visible-Light-Activated Support Boosting Platinum Nanoparticle Activity in Ethanol Electrooxidation.

In the present work, exfoliated graphitic carbon nitride (g-CN) is immobilized on carbon paper substrates by a simple electrophoretic route, and subsequently decorated with ultra-low amounts (≈µg/cm2) of Pt nanoparticles (NPs) by cold plasma sputtering. Optimization of preparative conditions allowed a fine tuning of Pt NPs size, loading and distribution and thus a controlled tailoring of g-CN/Pt interfacial interactions. Modulation of such features yielded g-CN-Pt-based anode materials with appealing activity and stability towards the ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR) in alkaline aqueous solutions, as revealed by electrochemical tests both in the dark and under irradiation. The present results provide new insights on the design of nano-engineered heterocomposites featuring improved performances thanks to Pt coupling with g-CN, a low-cost and environmentally friendly visible light-active semiconductor. Overall, this work might open attractive avenues for the generation of green hydrogen via aqueous ethanol electrolysis and the photo-promoted alcohol electrooxidation in fuel cells.

Graphitic Carbon Nitride Structures on Carbon Cloth Containing Ultra- and Nano-Dispersed NiO for Photoactivated Oxygen Evolution.

The development of low-cost and high-efficiency oxygen evolution reaction (OER) photoelectrocatalysts is a key requirement for H2 generation via solar-assisted water splitting. In this study, we report on an amenable fabrication route to carbon cloth-supported graphitic carbon nitride (gCN) nanoarchitectures, featuring a modular dispersion of NiO as co-catalyst. The synergistic interaction between gCN and NiO, along with the tailoring of their size and spatial distribution, yield very attractive OER performances and durability in freshwater splitting, of great significance for practical end-uses. The potential of gCN electrocatalysts containing ultra-dispersed, i. e. "quasi-atomic" NiO, exhibiting a higher activity than the ones containing nickel oxide nanoaggregates, is further highlighted by their activity even in real seawater. This work suggests that efficient OER catalysts can be designed through the construction of optimized interfaces between transition metal oxides and carbon nitride, yielding inexpensive and promising noble metal-free systems for real-world applications.

Carotid endarterectomy for symptomic and asymptomic stenosis: Report of 65388 cases (Russian register).

AIM: Analysis of in-hospital and long-term results of carotid endarterectomy in patients with asymptomatic and symptomatic stenoses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample was formed by completely including all cases of carotid endarterectomy (n = 65,388) performed during the period from May 1, 2015 to November 1, 2023. Depending on the symptomatic/asymptomatic nature of the stenosis, all patients were divided into two groups: group 1 - n = 39,172 (75.2%) - patients with asymptomatic stenosis; Group 2 - n = 26216 (24.8%) - patients with symptomatic stenosis. The postoperative follow-up period was 53.5 ± 31.4 months. RESULTS: In the hospital postoperative period, the groups were comparable in the incidence of death (group 1: n = 164 (0.41%); group 2: n = 124 (0.47%); p = .3), transient ischemic attack (group 1: n = 116 (0.29%); group 2: n = 88 (0.33%); p = .37), myocardial infarction (group 1: n = 32 (0.08%); group 2: n = 19 (0.07%); p = .68), thrombosis of the internal carotid artery (group 1: n = 8 (0.02%); group 2: n = 2 (0.007%); p = 0, 19), bleeding (group 1: n = 58 (0.14%); group 2: n = 33 (0.12%); p = .45). In group 2, ischemic stroke developed statistically more often (group 1: n = 328 (0.83%); group 2: n = 286 (1.09%); p = .001), which led to a higher value of the combined endpoint (group 1: n = 640 (1.63%); group 2: n = 517 (1.97%); p = .001). In the long-term postoperative period, the groups were comparable in cases of death (group 1: n = 65 (0.16%); group 2: n = 41 (0.15%); p = .76) and death from cardiovascular causes (group 1: n = 59 (0.15%); group 2: n = 33 (0.12%); p = .4). A greater number of ischemic strokes were detected in patients of group 2 (group 1: n = 213 (0.54%); group 2: n = 187 (0.71%); p = .006). In group 1, hemodynamically significant restenosis (≥70%) of the internal carotid artery was more often diagnosed (group 1: n = 974 (2.49%); group 2: n = 351 (1.34%); p < .0001) and myocardial infarction (group 1: n = 66 (0.16%); group 2: n = 34 (0.13%); p < .0001). When analyzing stroke-free survival, analysis of Kaplan-Meier curves showed that a statistically larger number of strokes were diagnosed in group 2 (p < .0001). CONCLUSION: Due to the fact that the patients were initially not comparable for a number of indicators, to achieve balance, we applied propensity score matching analysis. Thus, group 1 consisted of 24,381 patients, and group 2 consisted of 17,219 patients. In the hospital postoperative period, statistically significant differences were obtained only in the combined end point, which was greater in group 2 (group 1: n = 465 (1.9%); group 2: n = 382 (2.2%); p = .02). In the long-term follow-up period, after applying propensity score matching, no statistically significant differences were obtained between groups.

In vivo biodistribution and tumor uptake of [64Cu]-FAU nanozeolite via positron emission tomography Imaging.

Nanoparticles have emerged as promising theranostic tools for biomedical applications, notably in the treatment of cancers. However, to fully exploit their potential, a thorough understanding of their biodistribution is imperative. In this context, we prepared radioactive [64Cu]-exchanged faujasite nanosized zeolite ([64Cu]-FAU) to conduct positron emission tomography (PET) imaging tracking in preclinical glioblastoma models. In vivo results revealed a rapid and gradual accumulation over time of intravenously injected [64Cu]-FAU zeolite nanocrystals within the brain tumor, while no uptake in the healthy brain was observed. Although a specific tumor targeting was observed in the brain, the kinetics of uptake into tumor tissue was found to be dependent on the glioblastoma model. Indeed, our results showed a rapid uptake in U87-MG model while in U251-MG glioblastoma model tumor uptake was gradual over the time. Interestingly, a [64Cu] activity, decreasing over time, was also observed in organs of elimination such as kidney and liver without showing a difference in activity between both glioblastoma models. Ex vivo analyses confirmed the presence of zeolite nanocrystals in brain tumor with detection of both Si and Al elements originated from them. This radiolabelling strategy, performed for the first time using nanozeolites, enables precise tracking through PET imaging and confirms their accumulation within the glioblastoma. These findings further bolster the potential use of zeolite nanocrystals as valuable theranostic tools.

A Recipe for a Great Meal: A Benchtop Route from Elemental Se to Superior Thermoelectric ß-Ag2Se.

The low-temperature modification of ß-Ag2Se has proven to be useful as a near-room-temperature thermoelectric material. Over the past years, research has been devoted to interstitial, vacancy, and substitutional doping into the parent ß-Ag2Se structure, aiming at tuning the material's charge and heat transport properties to enhance thermoelectric performance. The transformation of ß-Ag2Se into α-Ag2Se at ∼134 °C and the low solubility of dopants are the main obstacles for the doping approach. Herein, we report a facile, safe, scalable, and cost-effective benchtop approach to successfully produce metal-doped ß-Ag2Se. The doped materials display a remarkable enhancement of thermoelectric performance with a record-high peak zT of 1.30 at 120 °C and an average zT of ∼1.15 in the 25-120 °C range for 0.2 at. % Zn-doped Ag2Se. The enhancement in zT is attributed to point defects created by Zn doping into Ag vacancies/interstitials, which enhances the scattering of phonons and tunes the charge carrier properties, leading to the significant suppression of thermal conductivity. The simplicity of the synthetic method developed herein and the high performance of the final products provide an avenue to produce high-quality Ag2Se-based thermoelectric materials.

Metal Substitutions (M = Al, Ga, In; Sn, Ge; and Mn, Fe, Co) in ZnS: Sphalerite versus Wurtzite Formation.

A series of Zn1-xMxS polycrystalline samples were synthesized via a solid-state reaction in closed vessels to examine the solubility of foreign M cations within the wurtzite ZnS structure, employing quenching or slow cooling processes to favor specific polymorphs. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses revealed diverse structural behaviors across different cations. Group 13 elements (Al and Ga) formed solid solutions with a wurtzite structure, while In showed complex layer stacking defects. For 3d magnetic cations (Mn, Fe, and Co), a broad solubility range in the hexagonal structure was noted for Mn, whereas Fe and Co more readily formed cubic structures, with solubilities similar to Mn in the sphalerite form. Despite structural differences, magnetic susceptibilities and spin freezing temperatures for Fe and Co were comparable. Group 14 elements showed varied behaviors: Sn was insoluble in ZnS, as attested by unchanged unit cell parameters and surface crystallite Sn, whereas Ge only formed in the cubic phase with a solubility limit of x ≈ 0.2. The study discusses these variations in solubility and structure in terms of oxidation states, ionic-covalent radius, and coordination preferences in sulfides.

Hospital and long-term results of carotid endarterectomy in patients with different severity of coronary artery lesion according to syntax score.

AIM: Analysis of in-hospital and long-term results of carotid endarterectomy (CEE) in patients with different severity of coronary atherosclerosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This comparative, retrospective, open study for the period from January 2013 to April 2020 included 1719 patients operated on for occlusive-stenotic lesions of the internal carotid arteries (ICA). Classical and eversion CEA were used as revascularization strategies. The criteria for inclusion in the study were: 1. Presence of coronary angiography within six months before the present CEE; 2. A history of myocardial revascularization in patients with severe coronary lesions. Depending on the severity of coronary atherosclerosis, all patients were divided into 3 groups: Group 1-871 (50.7 %) patients - with the presence of hemodynamically significant stenosis of the coronary arteries (CA) with a history of myocardial revascularization; Group 2-496 (28.8 %) patients - with the presence of hemodynamically insignificant lesions of the coronary artery (up to 70 %, not inclusive, and the trunk of the left coronary artery, up to 50 %, not inclusive); Group 3-352 (20.5 %) patients - without signs of atherosclerotic lesions of the coronary artery. In group 1, the observation period was 56.8±23.2 months, in group 2-62.0±15.6 months, in group 3-58.1±20.4 months. RESULTS: During the hospital observation period, there were no significant intergroup differences in the number of complications. All cardiovascular events were detected in isolated cases. The most common injury was damage to the cranial nerves, diagnosed in every fifth patient in the total sample. The combined endpoint (CET), including death + myocardial infarction (MI) + acute cerebrovascular accident/transient ischemic attack (stroke/TIA), was 0.75 % (n=13). In the long-term follow-up period, when comparing survival curves, group 3 revealed the largest number of ischemic strokes (p = 0.007), myocardial infarction (p = 0.03), and CCT (p = 0.005). There were no intergroup differences in the number of deaths (p=0.62). CONCLUSION: The results of the study showed that there was no significant intergroup difference in the development of complications at the hospital postoperative stage. However, in the long-term follow-up period, a group of patients with isolated lesions of the ICA demonstrated a rapid increase in the number of MI, stroke/TIA, and a combined endpoint, which was apparently associated with low compliance and progression of atherosclerosis in previously unaffected arteries.

A Multicentric Study of Different Methods of Open Surgical Cerebral Revascularization for Internal Carotid Artery Orifice Stenosis.

To analyze the long-term results of transposition of the internal carotid artery (ICA) into the lateral wall of the external carotid artery (ECA) in the presence of hemodynamically significant stenosis of the ICA. During the period from 3.10.2017 to 28.12.2020, 784 patients with isolated hemodynamically significant ICA orifice stenosis were included in the present retrospective multicentric open comparative study "Russian Birch." Depending on the implemented surgical technique, groups were formed: group 1 (n = 517) - eversion carotid endarterectomy (eCEA); group 2 (n = 193) classic CEA with implantation of a xenopericardium patch treated with di-epoxy compounds; group 3 (n = 74) - transposition of the ICA into the lateral wall of the ECA. Transposition of the ICA into the lateral wall of the ECA is performed as follows. The common carotid artery, ECA, and ICA are isolated and then they are clamped with vascular clamps. At the same time, the ICA and ECA are clamped 4 cm above the orifice. The ICA is cut 2.5 cm above the orifice. Then the section of the ICA with local stenosis in the orifice is sutured with a polypropylene suture. At the same time, the redundant nonfunctioning ICA stump is not resected due to the fact that there are receptors of the carotid sinus at the ICA orifice. Thus, such manipulation may damage the sinus, causing arterial hypertension that is difficult to control in the postoperative period. Then, in the lateral wall of the ECA 2.5 cm above the orifice, a 0.5 cm diameter round hole is formed using a scalpel and angled vascular scissors. Then an end-to-side anastomosis between the severed section of the ICA and the rounded opening formed in the lateral wall of the ECA is performed using a polypropylene suture. Vascular clamps are removed and blood flow is started. No complications were detected in the hospital postoperative period. No adverse cardiovascular events were registered in group 3 in the long-term follow-up period. The group of classic CEA with implantation of a xenopericardium patch treated with di-epoxy compounds showed the highest number of fatal outcomes from acute cerebrovascular accident (CVA) (Group 1: 0.2%, n = 1; group 2: 2.6%; n = 5; p = 0.008); nonfatal ischemic CVA (group 1: 0.6%, n = 3; group 2: 14.0%, n = 27; p < 0.0001); ICA restenosis (more than 60%) requiring a repeat revascularization (group 1: 0.8%, n = 4; group 2: 16.6%, n = 32; p < 0.0001). The cause of all CVAs after classical CEA was restenosis of the ICA due to neointimal hyperplasia; after eversion CEA and progression of atherosclerosis. The composite end point was statistically more frequent after classical CEE with plasty of the reconstruction area with a diepoxy-treated xenopericardium patch (group 1: 1.0%, n = 5; group 2: 17.7%, n = 33; p < 0.0001). When analyzing the survival curves free of ICA restenosis, it was determined that the overwhelming number of all ICA restenosis requiring revascularization in the group of classical CEA with implantation of a diepoxy-treated xenopericardium patch is diagnosed as early as 6 months after surgery. In the group of eversion CEA, the loss of the vessel lumen is most often visualized more than a year after the intervention. When comparing the survival curves (Logrank test), it was determined that restenosis of the ICA develops statistically more frequently (p < 0.0001) after classical CEA with implantation of a diepoxytreated xenopericardium patch. Transposition of the ICA into the lateral wall of the ECA is not accompanied by the risk of ICA restenosis due to the absence of inflammation of the internal artery wall after endarterectomy. Thus, this technique can be an alternative to CEA and be routinely used in case of local hemodynamically significant stenosis of the ICA orifice. Classical CEA with patch implantation is the least preferable operation due to the high risk of ICA restenosis in the mid-term and long-term follow-up.

Make Selenium Reactive Again: Activating Elemental Selenium for Synthesis of Metal Selenides Ranging from Nanocrystals to Large Single Crystals.

The inertness of elemental selenium is a significant obstacle in the synthesis of selenium-containing materials at low reaction temperatures. Over the years, several recipes have been developed to overcome this hurdle; however, most of the methods are associated with the use of highly toxic, expensive, and environmentally harmful reagents. As such, there is an increasing demand for the design of cheap, stable, and nontoxic reactive selenium precursors usable in the low-temperature synthesis of transition metal selenides with vast applications in nanotechnology, thermoelectrics, and superconductors. Herein, a novel synthetic route has been developed for activating elemental selenium by using a solvothermal approach. By comprehensive 77Se NMR, Raman, and infrared spectroscopies and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, we show that the activated Se solution contained HSe-, [Se-Se]2-, and Se2- ions, as well as dialkyl selenide (R2Se) and dialkyl diselenide (R-Se-Se-R) species in dynamic equilibrium. This also corresponded to the first observation of naked Se22- in solution. The versatility of the developed Se precursor was demonstrated by the successful synthesis of (i) the polycrystalline room-temperature modification of the ß-Ag2Se thermoelectric material; (ii) large single crystals of superconducting ß-FeSe; (iii) CdSe nanocrystals with different particle sizes (3-10 nm); (iv) nanosheets of PtSe2; and (v) mono- and dibenzyl selenides and diselenides at room temperature. The simplicity and diversity of the developed Se activation method holds promise for applied and fundamental research.

Dynamic Lone Pairs and Fluoride-Ion Disorder in Cubic-BaSnF4.

Introducing compositional or structural disorder within crystalline solid electrolytes is a common strategy for increasing their ionic conductivity. (M,Sn)F2 fluorites have previously been proposed to exhibit two forms of disorder within their cationic host frameworks: occupational disorder from randomly distributed M and Sn cations and orientational disorder from Sn(II) stereoactive lone pairs. Here, we characterize the structure and fluoride-ion dynamics of cubic BaSnF4, using a combination of experimental and computational techniques. Rietveld refinement of the X-ray diffraction (XRD) data confirms an average fluorite structure with {Ba,Sn} cation disorder, and the 119Sn Mössbauer spectrum demonstrates the presence of stereoactive Sn(II) lone pairs. X-ray total-scattering PDF analysis and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations reveal a complex local structure with a high degree of intrinsic fluoride-ion disorder, where 1/3 of fluoride ions occupy octahedral "interstitial" sites: this fluoride-ion disorder is a consequence of repulsion between Sn lone pairs and fluoride ions that destabilizes Sn-coordinated tetrahedral fluoride-ion sites. Variable-temperature 19F NMR experiments and analysis of our molecular dynamics simulations reveal highly inhomogeneous fluoride-ion dynamics, with fluoride ions in Sn-rich local environments significantly more mobile than those in Ba-rich environments. Our simulations also reveal dynamical reorientation of the Sn lone pairs that is biased by the local cation configuration and coupled to the local fluoride-ion dynamics. We end by discussing the effect of host-framework disorder on long-range diffusion pathways in cubic BaSnF4.

Prospective multicenter online testing of the carotid endarterectomy risk stratification calculator carotidscore.ru.

Aim: To evaluate the incidence of complications, including fatal outcomes, ischemic strokes, and transient ischemic attacks, associated with carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in patients categorized as low-, medium-, and high-risk based on their CarotidSCORE (carotidscore.ru). Material and Methods: This prospective, multicenter study was conducted from January 1, 2022, to December 20, 2022, and enrolled 5,496 patients with stenosis of the internal carotid artery (ICA), who were categorized into four groups according to their risk level. Group 1 (n=1,759) included patients at low risk; Group 2 (n=2,483) included those at medium risk; Group 3 (n=429) included those at high risk, who underwent carotid angioplasty with stenting (CAS) due to the high risk of complications associated with carotid endarterectomy (CEA); and Group 4 (n=825) did not use CarotidSCORE (carotidscore.ru). Patients in Groups 1, 2, and 4 underwent CEA. Results: During the postoperative hospital stay, the highest number of complications, including fatal outcomes (p=0.0007), ischemic strokes (p<0.0001), and the combined endpoints (p<0.0001) were observed in Group 4. No complications were reported in Group 1. Conclusion: The use of CarotidSCORE (carotidscore.ru) allows for the identification of high-risk patients, enabling clinicians to opt for CAS instead of CEA and reduce the incidence of complications.

Controllable Anchoring of Graphitic Carbon Nitride on MnO2 Nanoarchitectures for Oxygen Evolution Electrocatalysis.

The design and fabrication of eco-friendly and cost-effective (photo)electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a key research goal for a proper management of water splitting to address the global energy crisis. In this work, we focus on the preparation of supported MnO2/graphitic carbon nitride (g-CN) OER (photo)electrocatalysts by means of a novel preparation strategy. The proposed route consists of the plasma enhanced-chemical vapor deposition (PE-CVD) of MnO2 nanoarchitectures on porous Ni scaffolds, the anchoring of controllable g-CN amounts by an amenable electrophoretic deposition (EPD) process, and the ultimate thermal treatment in air. The inherent method versatility and flexibility afforded defective MnO2/g-CN nanoarchitectures, featuring a g-CN content and nano-organization tunable as a function of EPD duration and the used carbon nitride precursor. Such a modulation had a direct influence on OER functional performances, which, for the best composite system, corresponded to an overpotential of 430 mV at 10 mA/cm2, a Tafel slope of ≈70 mV/dec, and a turnover frequency of 6.52 × 10-3 s-1, accompanied by a very good time stability. The present outcomes, comparing favorably with previous results on analogous systems, were rationalized on the basis of the formation of type-II MnO2/g-CN heterojunctions, and yield valuable insights into this class of green (photo)electrocatalysts for end uses in solar-to-fuel conversion and water treatment.

Towards All-Non-Vacuum-Processed Photovoltaic Systems: A Water-Based Screen-Printed Cu(In,Ga)Se2 Photoabsorber with a 6.6% Efficiency.

During the last few decades, major advances have been made in photovoltaic systems based on Cu(In,Ga)Se2 chalcopyrite. However, the most efficient photovoltaic cells are processed under high-energy-demanding vacuum conditions. To lower the costs and facilitate high-throughput production, printing/coating processes are proving to be effective solutions. This work combined printing, coating, and chemical bath deposition processes of photoabsorber, buffer, and transparent conductive layers for the development of solution-processed photovoltaic systems. Using a sustainable approach, all inks were formulated using water and ethanol as solvents. Screen printing of the photoabsorber on fluorine-doped tin-oxide-coated glass followed by selenization, chemical bath deposition of the cadmium sulfide buffer, and final sputtering of the intrinsic zinc oxide and aluminum-doped zinc oxide top conductive layers delivered a 6.6% maximum efficiency solar cell, a record for screen-printed Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells. On the other hand, the all-non-vacuum-processed device with spray-coated intrinsic zinc-oxide- and tin-doped indium oxide top conductive layers delivered a 2.2% efficiency. The given approaches represent relevant steps towards the fabrication of sustainable and efficient Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells.

Results of carotid endarterectomy with the use of temporary shunts with reduced retrograde pressure in the internal carotid artery - analysis of the multicenter Russian register.

Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the role of a temporary carotid shunt in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy. Materials and methods: This was a retrospective, multicentric (n = 159) study carried out between January 2005 and October 2020. The study included 3114 patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy who had a reduced retrograde internal carotid artery pressure (<60% of systolic blood pressure). A temporary carotid shunt was used in 1328 patients and 1786 patients underwent carotid endarterectomy without a shunt. Results: The in-hospital outcomes were comparable in terms of the incidence of deaths, myocardial infarctions, and stroke between the two groups. However, asymptomatic strokes (confirmed on computed tomography) occurred more frequently in the group where the temporary shunt was used (34 (2.5%) vs. 10 (0.55%), p < 0.0001). The composite endpoints of adverse events were also higher in the group where a temporary shunt was used (44 (3.3%) vs. 28 (1.5%), p = 0.002). The risk of symptomatic stroke (both fatal and non-fatal) was higher in the group where a temporary shunt was not used, though this was statistically not significant. Logistic regression analysis identified diabetes mellitus and stenosis (81-90%) of the contralateral internal carotid artery to be important predictors for stroke. Conclusion: Temporary carotid shunts during carotid endarterectomy were associated with increased rates of asymptomatic stroke. There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of non-fatal or fatal stroke, myocardial infarction, and mortality.

Vertebral triangle of doctor A.N. Kazantsev - double vertebral artery in V3 segment.

We have described a variant of the structure of the vertebral artery. In the V3 segment, the vertebral artery bifurcated and then joined again. This building looks like a triangle. Such anatomy has not been previously described in the world literature. By the right of the first description, this anatomical formation was called the «vertebral triangle of Dr A.N. Kazantsev¼. This discovery was made during stenting of the V4 segment of the left vertebral artery in the most acute period of stroke.

Artificial Aging of Thin Films of the Indium-Free Transparent Conducting Oxide SrVO3.

SrVO3 (SVO) is a prospective candidate to replace the conventional indium tin oxide (ITO) among the new generation of transparent conducting oxide (TCO) materials. In this study, the structural, electrical, and optical properties of SVO thin films, both epitaxial and polycrystalline, are determined during and after heat treatments in the 150-250 °C range and under ambient environment in order to explore the chemical stability of this material. The use of these relatively low temperatures speeds up the natural aging of the films and allows following the evolution of their related properties. The combination of techniques rather sensitive to the film surface and of techniques sampling the film volume will emphasize the presence of a surface oxidation evolving in time at low annealing temperatures, whereas the perovskite phase is destroyed throughout the film for treatments above 200 °C. The present study is designed to understand the thermal degradation and long-term stability issues of vanadate-based TCOs and to identify technologically viable solutions for the application of this group as new TCOs.

The results of thrombectomy from the arteries of the lower extremities in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant with different severity of respiratory failure.

GOAL: Analysis of the results of thrombectomy from the arteries of the lower extremities in patients with COVID-19 against the background of different severity of respiratory failure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective, cohort, comparative study for the period from 05/01/2022 to 20/07/2022 included 305 patients with acute thrombosis of the arteries of the lower extremities against the background of the course of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant). Depending on the type of oxygen support, 3 groups of patients were formed: group 1 (n = 168) - oxygen insufflation through nasal cannulas; group 2 (n = 92) - non-invasive lung ventilation; and group 3 (n = 45) - artificial lung ventilation. RESULTS: Myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke were not detected in the total sample. The highest number of deaths (group 1: 5.3%, n = 9; group 2: 72.8%, n = 67; group 3: 100%, n = 45; p < 0.0001), rethrombosis (group 1 : 18.4%, n = 31; group 2: 69.5%, n = 64; group 3: 91.1%, n = 41; p < 0.0001), and limb amputations (group 1: 9.5%, n = 16; group 2: 56.5%, n = 52; group 3: 91.1%, n = 41; p < 0.0001) was recorded in group 3 (ventilated) patients. CONCLUSION: In patients infected with COVID-19 and on artificial lung ventilation, a more aggressive course of the disease is noted, expressed in an increase in laboratory parameters (C-reactive protein, ferritin, interleukin-6, and D-dimer) of the degree of pneumonia (CT-4 in overwhelming number) and localization of thrombosis of the arteries of the lower extremities, mainly in the tibial arteries.

Correction: 5D total scattering computed tomography reveals the full reaction mechanism of a bismuth vanadate lithium ion battery anode.

Correction for '5D total scattering computed tomography reveals the full reaction mechanism of a bismuth vanadate lithium ion battery anode' by Jonas Sottmann et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022, 24, 27075-27085, https://doi.org/10.1039/D2CP03892G.

Large-Scale Colloidal Synthesis of Chalcogenides for Thermoelectric Applications.

A simple and effective preparation of solution-processed chalcogenide thermoelectric materials is described. First, PbTe, PbSe, and SnSe were prepared by gram-scale colloidal synthesis relying on the reaction between metal acetates and diphenyl dichalcogenides in hexadecylamine solvent. The resultant phase-pure chalcogenides consist of highly crystalline and defect-free particles with distinct cubic-, tetrapod-, and rod-like morphologies. The powdered PbTe, PbSe, and SnSe products were subjected to densification by spark plasma sintering (SPS), affording dense pellets of the respective chalcogenides. Scanning electron microscopy shows that the SPS-derived pellets exhibit fine nano-/micro-structures dictated by the original morphology of the key constituting particles, while the powder X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy analyses confirm that the SPS-derived pellets are phase-pure materials, preserving the structure of the colloidal synthesis products. The resultant solution-processed PbTe, PbSe, and SnSe exhibit low thermal conductivity, which might be due to the enhanced phonon scattering developed over fine microstructures. For undoped n-type PbTe and p-type SnSe samples, an expected moderate thermoelectric performance is achieved. In contrast, an outstanding figure-of-merit of 0.73 at 673 K was achieved for undoped n-type PbSe outperforming, the majority of the optimized PbSe-based thermoelectric materials. Overall, our findings facilitate the design of efficient solution-processed chalcogenide thermoelectrics.

Computer Modeling of Carotid Endarterectomy With the Different Shape Patches and Prediction of the Atherosclerotic Plaque Formation Zones.

The article describes a method for constructing geometric models of the carotid bifurcation and computer simulation of endarterectomy surgery with the patches of various configurations. The purpose of this work is to identify the areas of the greatest risk of restenosis in the constructed models and to conduct a comparative analysis of risk factors when using the patches of different widths and shapes. The method is demonstrated on a reconstructed model of a healthy vessel. Its building is based on a preoperative computed tomography study of a particular patient's affected vessel. The flow in the vessel is simulated by computational fluid dynamics using data from the patient's ultrasound Doppler velocimetry. Risk factors are assessed through the hemodynamic indices on the vessel wall associated with Wall Shear Stress. The distribution of risk zones in the healthy vessel, presumably leading to its observed lesion (plaque), is analyzed. Comparative evaluation of 10 various patches implantation results is carried out and the optimal variant is determined. The proposed method can be used to predict the hemodynamic results of surgery using patches of various sizes and shapes.