Nitrogen Configuration Effects on Charge Carrier Dynamics in CsPbBr3/Carbon Dots S-Scheme Heterojunction for Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction.

Nitrogen-doped carbon dots (NCDs) featuring primary pyrrolic N and pyridinic N dominated configurations were prepared using hydrothermal (H-NCDs) and microwave (M-NCDs) methods, respectively. These H-NCDs and M-NCDs were subsequently applied to decorate CsPbBr3 nanocrystals (CPB NCs) individually, using a ligand-assisted reprecipitation process. Both CPB/M-NCDs and CPB/H-NCDs nanoheterostructures (NHSs) exhibited S-scheme charge transfer behavior, which enhanced their performance in photocatalytic CO2 reduction and selectivity of CO2-to-CH4 conversion, compared to pristine CPB NCs. The presence of pyrrolic N configuration at the heterojunction of CPB/H-NCDs facilitated efficient S-scheme charge transfer, leading to a remarkable 43-fold increase in photoactivity. In contrast, CPB/M-NCDs showed only a modest 3-fold enhancement in photoactivity, which was attributed to electron trapping by pyridinic N at the heterojunction. The study offers crucial insights into charge carrier dynamics within perovskite/carbon NHSs at the molecular level to advance the understanding of solar fuel generation.

Establishment of a Risk Prediction Model for Metabolic Syndrome in High Altitude Areas in Qinghai Province, China: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Purpose: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is increasing worldwide, and early prediction of MetS risk is highly beneficial for health outcomes. This study aimed to develop and validate a nomogram to predict MetS risk in Qinghai Province, China, and it provides a methodological reference for MetS prevention and control in Qinghai Province, China. Patients and Methods: A total of 3073 participants living between 1900 and 3710 meters above sea level in Qinghai Province participated in this study between March 2014 and March 2016. We omitted 12 subjects who were missing diagnostic component data for MetS, ultimately resulting in 3061 research subjects, 70% of the subjects were assigned randomly to the training set, and the remaining subjects were assigned to the validation set. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis method was used for variable selection via running cyclic coordinate descent with 10-fold cross-validation. Multivariable logistic regression was then performed to develop a predictive model and nomogram. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves was used for model evaluation, and calibration plot and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used for model validation. Results: Of 24 variables studied, 6 risk predictors were identified by LASSO regression analysis: hyperlipidaemia, hyperglycemia, abdominal obesity, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and body mass index (BMI). A prediction model including these 6 risk factors was constructed and displayed good predictability with an area under the ROC curve of 0.914 for the training set and 0.930 for the validation set. DCA revealed that if the threshold probability of MetS is less than 82%, the application of this nomogram is more beneficial than both the treat-all or treat-none strategies. Conclusion: The nomogram developed in our study demonstrated strong discriminative power and clinical applicability, making it a valuable reference for meets prevention and control in the plateau areas of Qinghai Province.

Graph modeling of relational structures among functioning variables with low back pain: an exploratory analysis based on International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health.

BACKGROUND: Given the complex etiology, multidimensional impact, and widespread prevalence of low back pain (LBP), it is crucial to prioritize intervention targets based on understanding the relationships between functional impairments in patients. This prioritization maximizes the physical and psychological benefits for patients, and graph modeling holds promise in achieving these objectives. AIM: The aim of this study was establishing a graphical model of functioning variables for LBP based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) to identify the most influential items (i.e., functioning variables) on the physical and mental well-being of patients. Exploring feasible intervention measures by understanding the dysfunction correlations among these variables. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Nine hospitals in Jiangsu Province, China. POPULATION: Three hundred and six persons with LBP aged ≥18 years. METHODS: All patients were assessed using the Comprehensive ICF Core Sets for LBP. The scoring system was converted to dichotomous data, with 1 indicating dysfunction and 0 indicating no dysfunction. In the graphical model, network parameters and the results of Item Response Theory modeling (as detailed in our other article) were used to determine the importance of items, while partial correlations were utilized to estimate the dysfunction correlations between functioning variables. RESULTS: 1) A total of 56 ICF items were located in the backbone structure of LBP, among which d430 (Lifting and carrying objects) occupied the most central position, followed by b126 (Temperament and personality functions). 2) In the main component of backbone structure, d430 has moderate dysfunction correlation with looking after one's health (0.6027), social norms, practices and ideologies (0.597), stability of joint functions (0.5759), and emotional functions (0.4078). b126 has moderate dysfunction correlation with basic interpersonal interactions (0.6595). CONCLUSIONS: d430 and b126 significantly impact the physical and mental well-being of LBP patients. To improve d430, maintaining exercise habits, reducing working hours, enhancing lumbar stability, and overcoming fear-related emotions are recommended. Similarly, improving b126 can be achieved through enhancing interpersonal relationships. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: Through the identification of crucial functioning variables and the associated dysfunctional correlation relationships, graphical model of Comprehensive ICF Core Set for LBP can offer healthcare decision-makers valuable insights into potential treatment targets and pathways aimed at improving the condition of LBP patients.

Early-stage neutralizing antibody level associated with the re-positive risk of Omicron SARS-CoV-2 RNA in patients recovered from COVID-19.

Post-discharge re-positivity of Omicron SARS-CoV-2 is challenging for the sufficient control of this pandemic. However, there are few studies about the risk of re-positivity. We aimed to explore the association of neutralizing antibodies (nAbs, AU/mL) with the incidence of re-positivity among patients recovered from COVID-19. A retrospective cohort study selected 318 Omicron-infected patients was conducted in China between December 2021 and April 2022. The peak value of nAb levels (nAb-peak) within 14 days of disease onset was defined as the baseline and was mainly used for the subsequent analyses. In the unadjusted, minimally adjusted, fully adjusted, and additionally adjusted for IgG models, a per-standard deviation (SD) increase in the nAb-peak values was significantly associated with a 59 %, 59 %, 50 %, and 75 % decreased risk of Omicron SARS-CoV-2 re-positivity during post-discharge surveillance, respectively. Stratified analyses showed no significant changes in the relationship between nAbs and re-positivity. Our study suggested that the increase in baseline nAb levels independently associated with a low risk of re-positivity in patients recovered from COVID-19.

AST-120 improved uremic pruritus by lowering indoxyl sulfate and inflammatory cytokines in hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS: Pruritus is a common and distressing symptom that affects patients with chronic kidney disease. The concentration of protein bounded uremic toxin was associated with the uremic pruritus. The aim is to assess the efficacy of AST-120 for uremic pruritus in hemodialysis patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The participants were enrolled and then divided into the AST-120 treatment group and control group with a ratio of 2:1. All participants underwent pre-observation screenings two weeks before the study with three visits. In the treatment phase (week 1 to week 4), the treatment group added 6g/day of AST-120 along with routine anti-pruritic treatment. Visual analog scale (VAS) and biochemical parameters were measured. RESULTS: The VAS score began to be lower in the AST-120 treatment group after the 5th visiting (p < 0.05). The reduction in indoxyl sulfate (IS) at 5th week along with TNF-alpha. The reduction ratio of indoxyl sulfate correlated with reduction of parathyroid hormone. CONCLUSION: This study has demonstrated that the four-week treatment of AST-120 decreased the severity of uremic pruritus in patients with ESRD. The concentration of IS and TNF-alpha decreased in the AST-120 treatment group. The reduction of iPTH correlated with the reduction of IS in the AST-120 treatment.

Post-translational Modification of PD-1: Potential Targets for Cancer Immunotherapy.

Activation of effector T cells leads to upregulation of PD-1, which can inhibit T-cell activity following engagement with its ligand PD-L1. Post-translational modifications (PTM), including glycosylation, phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and palmitoylation, play a significant role in regulating PD-1 protein stability, localization, and interprotein interactions. Targeting PTM of PD-1 in T cells has emerged as a potential strategy to overcome PD-1-mediated immunosuppression in cancer and enhances antitumor immunity. The regulatory signaling pathways that induce PTM of PD-1 can be suppressed with small-molecule inhibitors, and mAbs can directly target PD-1 PTMs. Preliminary outcomes from exploratory studies suggest that focusing on the PTM of PD-1 has strong therapeutic potential and can enhance the response to anti-PD-1.

Efficacy of Sildenafil on healthy humans in high­altitude hypoxia at rest and during exercise: A meta­analysis.

The current meta-analysis aimed to fully evaluate the efficacy of Sildenafil in healthy humans at different altitudes, focusing on echocardiographic and hemodynamic parameters. Relevant studies were retrieved from the Cochrane, Embase and PubMed databases. Odds ratios (OR) were determined for dichotomous data and weighted mean differences with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for continuous data. A total of 16 RCTs were included in the current meta-analysis. Short-term treatment with Sildenafil significantly elevated resting heart rate (P<0.01) at altitudes <4,000 meters. No significant differences in heart rate were observed between the Sildenafil and placebo groups at rest and during exercise at an altitude of >4,000 meters (P>0.05). Sildenafil improved resting cardiac output at an altitude of >5,000 meters (P<0.01) and exercising arterial oxygen saturation at <4,000 meters (P<0.01). Sildenafil reduced resting pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) at altitudes >4,000 meters (P<0.01) and exercising PASP at altitudes >5,000 meters (P<0.01). Therefore, Sildenafil efficacy in healthy humans with high-altitude hypoxia is related to altitude and rest or exercise.

Chemical constituents from the aerial parts of Rubia cordifolia L. with their NO inhibitory activity.

A new naphthoquinone derivative (1) together with twenty-three known compounds (2-24), were isolated from the aerial parts of Rubia cordifolia L. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of NMR and HR-ESIMS data. Compounds 1-13 were assessed for their inhibitory effects on NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Compounds 2-6 exhibited significant inhibitory activities with IC50 values of 21.37, 13.81, 24.56, 20.32, and 30.08 µmol·L-1, respectively.

A comparison of quality of life between older adults living in high and low altitude areas.

Background: High altitude is known to have a significant impact on human physiology and health, therefore, understanding its relationship with quality of life is an important research area. This study compared the quality of life (QOL) in older adults living in high and low altitude areas, and examined the independent correlates of QOL in those living in a high altitude area. Methods: Older adults living in three public nursing homes in Xining (high altitude area) and one public nursing home in Guangzhou (low altitude area) were recruited. The WHOQOL-BREF was used to measure the QOL. Results: 644 older adults (male: 39.1%) were included, with 207 living in high altitude and 437 living in low altitude areas. After controlling for the covariates, older adults living in the high altitude area had higher QOL in terms of physical (P = 0.035) and social domains (P = 0.002), but had lower QOL in psychological (P = 0.009) domain compared to their counterparts living in the low altitude area. For older adults living in the high altitude area, smoking status was associated with higher social QOL (P = 0.021), good financial status was associated with higher physical QOL (P = 0.035), and fair or good health status was associated with higher physical (p < 0.001) and psychological QOL (P = 0.046), while more severe depressive symptoms were associated with lower QOL. Conclusion: Appropriate interventions and support to improve depressive symptoms and both financial and health status should be developed for older adults living in high altitude areas to improve their QOL.

[Comparison on anti-inflammatory activity of Gynostemma pentaphyllum processed with different methods].

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of Gynostemma pentaphyllum dried with two different methods(air drying and heating) on inflammation in acute lung injury(ALI) mice in vivo and in vitro. Lipopolysaccharide(LPS) was sprayed into the airway of wild type C57BL/6J male mice to establish the model, and the drug was injected into the tail vein 24 h after modeling. Lung function, lung tissue wet/dry weight(W/D) ratio, the total protein concentration, interleukin 6(IL-6), IL-1ß, and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF), and pathological changes of the lung tissue were used to evaluate the effects of different gypenosides on ALI mice. The results showed that total gypenosides(YGGPs) and the gypenosides substituted with one or two glycosyl(GPs_(1-2)) in the air-dried sample improved the lung function, significantly lowered the levels of IL-1ß and TNF-α in BALF, and alleviated the lung inflammation of ALI mice. Moreover, GPs_(1-2) had a more significant effect on inhibiting NO release in RAW264.7 cells. This study showed that different drying methods affected the anti-inflammatory activity of G. pentaphyllum, and the rare saponins in the air-dried sample without heating had better anti-inflammatory activity.

Human Poisoning with Chlorpyrifos and Cypermethrin Pesticide Mixture: Assessment of Clinical Outcome of Cases Admitted in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Taiwan.

Background and Purpose: There is an overall paucity of data regarding the human toxicity of chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin pesticide mixture. Both organophosphate and pyrethroid insecticides are metabolized by carboxylesterases. Thus, its pesticide combination, organophosphates may boost the toxicity of pyrethroids via inhibited its detoxification by carboxylesterases. This study examined the clinical course, laboratory tests, and outcomes of patients with chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin or their pesticide mixture poisoning, and to determine what association, if any, might exist between these findings. Patients and Methods: Between 2000 and 2021, 121 patients poisoned with chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin, or their pesticide mixture were treated at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. Patients were categorized as chlorpyrifos (n=82), cypermethrin (n=27) or chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin (n=12) groups. Demographic, clinical, laboratory and mortality data were collected for analysis. Results: The patients experienced a broad range of clinical symptoms, including aspiration pneumonia (44.6%), salivation (42.5%), acute respiratory failure (41.3%), acute kidney injury (13.9%), seizures (7.5%), hypotension (2.6%), etc. Leukocytosis (12,700±6600 /uL) and elevated serum C-reactive protein level (36.8±50.4 mg/L) were common. The acute respiratory failure rate was 41.3%, comprising 48.8% in chlorpyrifos, 11.1% in cypermethrin as well as 58.3% in chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin poisoning. Patients with chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin pesticide mixture poisoning suffered higher rates of acute respiratory failure (P=0.001) and salivation (P=0.001), but lower Glasgow Coma Scale score (P=0.011) and serum cholinesterase level (P<0.001) than other groups. A total of 17 (14.0%) patients expired. The mortality rate was 14.0%, including 17.1% in chlorpyrifos, 3.7% in cypermethrin as well as 16.7% in chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin poisoning. No significant differences in mortality rate were noted (P=0.214). Conclusion: Chlorpyrifos pesticide accounted for the major toxicity of the pesticide mixture. While the data show a higher rate of respiratory failure in the chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin pesticide mixture group than others, other measures of toxicity such as mortality and length of stay were not increased.

Coordination effect enhanced visualization of latent fingerprint with Eu (TTA)3phen-SiO2 microspheres.

Latent fingerprint (LFP) powders are crucial in the detection of LFPs in forensic science. However, it is often plagued by poor image resolution and low contrast. Herein, enhanced LFP fluorescence (FL) visualizations are achieved by doping Eu(III) coordination compound Eu(TTA)3phen directly into SiO2 microspheres instead of Eu(III) ions. Using the synthesized Eu(TTA)3phen-SiO2 microspheres, the fine characteristic structure of LFP can be seen and recognized under 365 nm irradiation, up to Level 3. However, the Eu3+-SiO2 microspheres were difficult to recognize the Level 2,3 fingerprint structure. The difference between the ridge and furrow gray values of Eu(TTA)3phen-SiO2 microspheres is 2.1 times that of Eu3+-SiO2 microspheres. The coordination effect increased the asymmetry around Eu(III) ions, resulting in the ultrasensitive 5D0→7F2 transition, thus increasing the FL intensity, and the uniform doping of the Eu(III) coordination compound into SiO2 also reduced the surface FL quenching due to shielding from oxygen. Under this dual effect, the LFP performance of Eu(TTA)3phen-SiO2 microspheres has been significantly improved. We believe that this novel and easy LFP visualization method is a promising routine in specific target detection including criminal investigation, customhouse check-in, and drug control.

[Evaluation of the effect of 3D printing resin splint based on the retention effect of orthodontic treatment in patients with periodontal disease].

PURPOSE: To investigate the difference in the retention effect of 3D printing resin splint and Hawley retainer combined with lingual retention wire in periodontal disease patients after orthodontic treatment. METHODS: Forty patients who finished orthodontic treatment for periodontal disease from January 2021 to February 2022 were selected and divided into experimental group and control group according to the random number table method, with 20 patients in each group. Patients in the experimental group used 3D printing resin splint for retention, while patients in the control group used Hawley retainer combined with a lingual retention wire for retention. The chair-side operation time of the retainers was recorded for both groups. The maxillary and mandibular cuspid width, molar width, overjet, overbite and irregularity index were measured at 1 month and 6 months after orthodontic treatment in both groups. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 12.0 software package. RESULTS: The mean time for chair-side manipulation of experimental group and control group was 8.23, 11.17 min, respectively. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P＜0.05) when comparing the width of the maxillary and mandibular cusps, the width of the molars, overjet, overbite and the irregularity index after 1 month and 6 months of wear of the retainers, which were significantly greater in the experimental group than in the control group at 6 months(P＜0.05). CONCLUSIONS: 3D printing resin splint, with short chair-side manipulation time, was more effective than Hawley retainer combined with a lingual retention wire, and the efficacy of both groups was otherwise generally consistent.

Evaluation of the liver targeting and anti­liver cancer activity of artesunate­loaded and glycyrrhetinic acid­coated nanoparticles.

Globally, liver cancer ranks among the most lethal cancers, with chemotherapy being one of its primary treatments. However, poor selectivity, systemic toxicity, a narrow treatment window, low response rate and multidrug resistance limit its clinical application. Liver-targeted nanoparticles (NPs) exhibit excellent targeted delivery ability and promising effectivity in treating liver cancer. The present study aimed to investigate the liver-targeting and anti-liver cancer effect of artesunate (ART)-loaded and glycyrrhetinic acid (GA)-decorated polyethylene glycol (PEG)-poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) (ART/GA-PEG-PLGA) NPs. GA-coated NPs significantly increased hepatoma-targeted cellular uptake, with micropinocytosis and caveolae-mediated endocytosis as its chief internalization pathways. Moreover, ART/GA-PEG-PLGA NPs exhibited pro-apoptotic effects on HepG2 cells, mainly via the induction of a high level of reactive oxygen species, decline in mitochondrial membrane potential and induction of cell cycle arrest. Additionally, ART/GA-PEG-PLGA NPs induced internal apoptosis pathways by upregulating the activity of cleaved caspase-3/7 and expression of cleaved poly (ADP-Ribose)-polymerase and Phos-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, ART/GA-PEG-PLGA NPs exhibited higher liver accumulation and longer mean retention time, resulting in increased bioavailability. Finally, ART/GA-PEG-PLGA NPs promoted the liver-targeting distribution of ART, increased the retention time and promoted its antitumour effects in vivo. Therefore, ART/GA-PEG-PLGA NPs afforded excellent hepatoma-targeted delivery and anti-liver cancer efficacy, and thus, they may be a promising strategy for treating liver cancer.

Silica wastes derived multifunctional coatings for formaldehyde photodegradation and autonomous indoor humidity buffering.

To maintain a comfortable and healthy indoor environment without large amounts of energy consumption is of great importance. The progress of multifunctional indoor coatings with formaldehyde photodegradation and humidity buffering capability is necessary. From the viewpoints of circular economy, the preparation of effective photocatalysts (denoted as sFCC/GCN-x and ESF/GCN-y) via the decoration of recycling industrial wastes (i.e., spent fluid catalytic cracking catalysts (sFCC) and enhancement silica fume (ESF)) onto graphitic carbon nitride (GCN) by using a simple route is reported. The obtained results show that the prepared sFCC/GCN-0.15 and ESF/GCN-0.15 photocatalysts have the rate constants of formaldehyde degradation of 0.0075 and 0.0082 min-1, respectively, which are superior to that of pristine GCN (0.0044 min-1) under visible-light irradiation. The enhanced transfer kinetics of photogenerated electrons and declined recombination of electron-hole pairs may account for the surpassing photocatalytic performance. Results obtained from electron paramagnetic resonance spectra and Mott-Schottky plots indicate that the formation of ï½¥O2- via the reaction of O2 with electrons generated on the conduction band is the major reaction pathway to photodegrade formaldehyde under visible light. To further assess the real applications of prepared photocatalysts, the sFCC/GCN-0.15 and ESF/GCN-0.15 are used to fabricate the multifunctional coatings (denoted as s- and E-coatings) with sFCC and ESF as the main compositions. Experimentally, the E-coatings could reach the formaldehyde degradation efficiency of ca. 84.5% after 3 h of visible light irradiation and excellent humidity buffering ability (293.8 g m-2) which is at least 10-folds higher than commercial coatings (28.9 g m-2). This notable progress of humidity buffering capacity on E-coatings can be attributed to their surface textural properties. Most importantly, this study exemplifies the valorization of inorganic silica wastes to produce sustainable and multifunctional coatings which may offer the practical and cost-effective applications in the indoor living space.

Relationship between emotional intelligence and job stressors of psychiatric nurses: A multi-centre cross-sectional study.

AIM: To investigate the impact of socio-demographic factors and job stressors on the emotional intelligence of psychiatric nurses. BACKGROUND: Emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in enabling nurses to effectively manage their own emotions, comprehend the emotions of others and assist individuals in dealing with diverse stressors. Nevertheless, a comprehensive conceptualization of the relationship between job stressors and emotional intelligence remains lacking. DESIGN: This study employs a multi-centre cross-sectional design. METHODS: A multi-centre cross-sectional survey involving 1083 registered nurses from 11 psychiatric hospitals across four provinces in China was conducted. Non-probability sampling was utilised. The survey encompassed assessments of nurse job stressors, emotional intelligence using a scale and socio-demographic characteristics using a questionnaire. A multiple linear regression model was applied to identify significant variables associated with emotional intelligence based on demographic attributes and various nurse job stressors. The study adhered to the STROBE checklist. RESULTS: The findings revealed a noteworthy negative correlation between nurse job stressors and emotional intelligence. Socio-demographic factors and job stressors of certain nurses were able to predict emotional intelligence and its dimensions among psychiatric nurses, with percentages of 44.50%, 40.10%, 36.40%, 36.60% and 34.60%. CONCLUSION: Providing emotional intelligence training for psychiatric nurses could enhance their capacity to cope effectively with workplace stress, particularly among younger nurses who engage in limited physical activities. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The analysis of the relationship between emotional intelligence and nurse job stressors could facilitate early detection and intervention by managers based on pertinent factors. This, in turn, could elevate the emotional intelligence level of psychiatric nurses. NO PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: This study did not recruit participants, so details of participants were not be involved.

Hungry bone syndrome in peritoneal dialysis patients after parathyroid surgery.

Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is a common complication of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Hungry bone syndrome (HBS) occurs frequently in patients on maintenance dialysis receiving parathyroidectomy for refractory SHPT. However, there is scanty study investigating the clinical risk factors that predict postoperative HBS, and its outcome in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. We conducted a single-center retrospective study to analyze 66 PD patients who had undergone parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital between 2009 and 2019. The patients were stratified into two groups based on the presence (n=47) or absence (n=19) of HBS after parathyroidectomy. Subtotal parathyroidectomy was the most common surgery performed (74.2%), followed by total parathyroidectomy with autoimplantation (25.8%). Pathological examination of all surgical specimens revealed parathyroid hyperplasia (100%). Patients with HBS had lower levels of postoperative nadir corrected calcium, higher alkaline phosphate (ALP), and higher potassium levels compared with patients without HBS (all P<0.05). A multivariate logistic regression model confirmed that lower preoperative serum calcium level (OR 0.354, 95% CI 0.133-0.940, P=0.037), higher ALP (OR 1.026, 95% CI 1.008-1.044, P=0.004), and higher potassium level (OR 6.894, 95% CI 1.806-26.317, P=0.005) were associated with HBS after parathyroidectomy. Patients were followed for 58.2±30.8 months after the surgery. There was no significant difference between HBS and non-HBS groups in persistence (P=0.496) or recurrence (P=1.000) of hyperparathyroidism. The overall mortality rate was 10.6% with no significant difference found between both groups (P=0.099). We concluded that HBS is a common complication (71.2%) of parathyroidectomy for SHPT and should be managed appropriately.

Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Glycosylated Derivatives of Silibinin as Potential Anti-Tumor Agents.

Objective: Silibinin, a natural product extracted from the seeds of the Silybum marianum, is versatile with various pharmacological effects. However, its clinical application was strongly hampered by its low bioavailability and poor water solubility. Herein, a series of glycosylated silibinin derivatives were identified as novel anti-tumor agents. Materials and Methods: The cell viability was evaluated by CCK8 assay. Furthermore, cell apoptosis and cell cycle progression were tested by flow cytometry. In addition, the pharmacokinetic assessment of compound 15 and silibinin through intravenous administration (i.v., 2 mg/kg) to ICR mice were performed. Results: The synthesized compounds showed better water solubilities than silibinin. Among them, compound 15 exhibited inhibitory activity against DU145 cells with IC50 value of 1.37 ± 0.140 µM. Moreover, it arrested cell cycle at G2/M phase and induced apoptosis in DU145 cells. Additionally, compound 15 also displayed longer half-life (T1/2 = 128.3 min) in liver microsomes than that of silibinin (T1/2 = 82.5 min) and appropriate pharmacokinetic parameters in mice. Conclusion: Overall, glycosylation of silibinin would be a valid strategy for the development of silibinin derivatives as anti-tumor agents.

Clinical Benefits of Laparoscopic Adhesiolysis during Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Insertion: A Single-Center Experience.

Background and Objectives: In peritoneal dialysis (PD) therapy, intra-abdominal adhesions (IAAs) can cause catheter insertion failure, poor dialysis function, and decreased PD adequacy. Unfortunately, IAAs are not readily visible to currently available imaging methods. The laparoscopic approach for inserting PD catheters enables direct visualization of IAAs and simultaneously performs adhesiolysis. However, a limited number of studies have investigated the benefit/risk profile of laparoscopic adhesiolysis in patients receiving PD catheter placement. This retrospective study aimed to address this issue. Materials and Methods: This study enrolled 440 patients who received laparoscopic PD catheter insertion at our hospital between January 2013 and May 2020. Adhesiolysis was performed in all cases with IAA identified via laparoscopy. We retrospectively reviewed data, including clinical characteristics, operative details, and PD-related clinical outcomes. Results: These patients were classified into the adhesiolysis group (n = 47) and the non-IAA group (n = 393). The clinical characteristics and operative details had no remarkable between-group differences, except the percentage of prior abdominal operation history was higher and the median operative time was longer in the adhesiolysis group. PD-related clinical outcomes, including incidence rate of mechanical obstruction, PD adequacy (Kt/V urea and weekly creatinine clearance), and overall catheter survival, were all comparable between the adhesiolysis and non-IAA groups. None of the patients in the adhesiolysis group suffered adhesiolysis-related complications. Conclusions: Laparoscopic adhesiolysis in patients with IAA confers clinical benefits in achieving PD-related outcomes comparable to those without IAA. It is a safe and reasonable approach. Our findings provide new evidence to support the benefits of this laparoscopic approach, especially in patients with a risk of IAAs.

Visible-Light Photocatalytic CO2-to-CO and H2O-to-H2O2 by g-C3N4/Cu2O-Pd S-Scheme Heterojunctions.

Visible-light photocatalytic conversion of CO2-to-fuels for green electricity is sustainably attractive for alleviating carbon emissions. Photocatalytic CO2-to-CO frequently suffered from relatively low yields, mainly due to ineffective charge transfer rates. A new approach for photocatalytic CO2-to-CO enhanced with effective H+ from H2O-to-H2O2 through the water oxidation reaction (WOR) has been studied in the present work. Here, the nano palladium (9 wt %), serving as a cocatalyst, dispersed on the g-C3N4/Cu2O heterojunctions (i.e., g-C3N4/Cu2O-Pd) has been prepared to facilitate charge separation for the two-electron reduction of CO2 to CO. Experimentally, the g-C3N4/Cu2O-Pd heterojunctions have a higher photocatalytic H2O-to-H2O2 yield than the g-C3N4/Cu2O heterojunction by 5.3 times. The photocatalytic WOR provides sufficient electrons (e-) and H+ (2H2O → H2O2 + 2H+) for CO2-to-CO (CO2(aq) + 2H+ + 2e- → CO(g) + H2O(l)). Relatively high photocatalytic yields of H2O2 (34.0 µmol/mg) and CO (14.6 µmol/mg) affected by the heterojunctions can be achieved. Also, the heterojunctions have a high photostability with a photocatalytic generated CO/H2 ratio of 1.75 approximately. This visible-light photocatalytic CO2-to-CO and H2O-to-H2O2 by the new g-C3N4/Cu2O-Pd S-scheme heterojunctions demonstrates the feasibility of the zero carbon emission approach with additional green oxidant (H2O2) generation.