Immunopotentiating effect of lentinan on chicks and its inhibitory effect on Marek's disease virus infection.

Marek's disease virus (MDV) is a significant tumorigenic virus that causes severe immunosuppression in chickens. Lentinan (LNT) is an immunomodulator containing ß-glucans and is widely used in areas such as antiviral, anticancer, and immune regulation. To investigate the immunomodulatory effects of LNT on specific pathogen-free (SPF) chicks and its potential to inhibit MDV infection, we conducted an MDV challenge experiment and observed the immune-enhancing effect of LNT on SPF chicks. The results showed that LNT promoted the growth and development of SPF chicks and induced the upregulation of cytokines such as Mx protein, interferon-γ (INF-γ), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-2 (IL-2). The specific gravity of CD4+ T-lymphocytes and CD8+ T-lymphocytes and their ratios were also significantly upregulated. Prophylactic use of LNT inhibited MDV replication in lymphocytes, liver, and spleen. It also alleviated MDV-induced weight loss and hepatosplenomegaly in SPF chicks. The present study confirms that LNT can enhance the levels of innate and cellular immunity in SPF chicks and contributes to the inhibition of MDV replication in vivo and mitigation of immune organ damage in chicks due to MDV infection. This provides an adjunctive measure for better control of MDV infection.

Inhibiting Photo-Oxidation and Enhancing Visible-Light-Driven Photocatalytic Water Oxidation over Covalent Organic Frameworks Through the Coordination of Cobalt with Bipyridine.

Photocatalytic water splitting using covalent organic frameworks (COFs) is a promising approach for harnessing solar energy. However, challenges such as slow kinetic dynamics in the photocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and COFs' self-oxidation hinder its progress. In this study, an enamine-based COF coordinated is introduced with cobalt dichloride, CoCl2 (CoCl2-TpBPy). The coordination of cobalt ions with bipyridines in CoCl2-TpBPy enhances charge-carrier separation and migration, leading to effective photocatalytic OER. Under visible light irradiation, CoCl2-TpBPy achieves a notable OER rate of up to 1 mmol·g-1·h-1, surpassing the reported organic semiconductor analogs. Additionally, CoCl2-TpBPy shows minimal nitrogen evolution compared to TpBPy and ethanol-treated TpBPy (E-TpBPy), indicating cobalt plays a pivotal role in improving charge utilization and minimizing photo-oxidation. In situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analyses revealed that Co(IV) species are key to the high OER efficiency. This work highlights Co(IV) species in the efficient OER and inhibiting photo-oxidation of CoCl2-TpBPy.

Combined inhibitory effect of interferon and antiserum on avian hepatitis E virus.

Epidemiologic investigations in recent years have shown that the detection rate of avian hepatitis E virus (HEV) in chicken flocks is increasing in China. Nevertheless, effective prevention and control measures are still lacking. In this study, specific pathogen-free (SPF) chicken serum against HEV was prepared using recombinant HEV open reading frames (ORF2 and ORF3) proteins as immunogens. An SPF chicken infection model was established by intravenous inoculation of chick embryos. Swab samples were collected at 7, 14, 21, and 28 d of age and used to detect avian HEV load, along with other indicators, by fluorescence quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assay. The therapeutic effects on blocking vertical HEV transmission were observed, by using the methods of antibody application alone, mixed, or combined application of each of the 2 antibodies with type I interferon. The results showed that type I interferon alone or in combination with antiserum reduced the positive rate of HEV from 100 to 62.5% and 25%, respectively. However, the avian HEV-positivity rate was reduced to 75, 50, and 37.5% after type I interferon was used alone or in combination with antisera against ORF2 and ORF3, respectively. The inhibitory effect of type I interferon alone or in combination with an antiserum, on HEV replication was more significant in cells than in vivo. In this study, the inhibitory effect of type I interferon alone or in combination with an antiserum on avian HEV replication was observed in vitro and in vivo, providing the necessary technical reserve for disease prevention and control.

Application of ORF3 Subunit Vaccine for Avian Hepatitis E Virus.

Avian hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the main etiologic pathogen of chicken big liver and spleen disease which is widely prevalent in China in recent years. However, due to the lack of a highly effective culture system in vitro, a genetically engineered subunit vaccine is the main direction of vaccine development. In this study, ORF3 genes of VaHEV strain from laying hens and YT-aHEV strain from broilers were amplified, respectively, and ORF3 protein was successfully expressed by Escherichia coli prokaryotic expression system. The serum samples were collected periodically to detect avian HEV antibodies by indirect immunofluorescence after specific pathogen free chickens immunized with the two proteins and their mixed proteins, the results showed that all serum samples were positive for antibodies to avian HEV. The antibody-positive chickens were artificially challenged with the cell-adapted strain YT-aHEV strain. The chickens from the immunized control group were infected successfully; no fecal detoxification was detected in the immunized group. In this study, two representative strains of ORF3 subunit vaccines of laying hens and broilers were prepared by prokaryotic expression, the immune effects of different proteins of these were evaluated through immunization and challenge studies in vivo, which provided a new technical possibility for prevention and control of avian HEV.

A low-polarity small organic molecule with a stable keto form for photocatalytic H2 evolution.

Five small organic molecules (SOMs) with different degrees of enol to keto tautomerism were synthesized for photocatalytic H2 evolution. The SOM possessing the highest activity features a stable keto form that greatly facilitates the flowing of the excited electrons toward the carbonyl O site where the reduction reaction occurs.

Visible light driven photocatalytic removal of uranium(VI) in strongly acidic solution.

Photocatalytic reduction and removal of toxic uranium(VI) from aqueous solution is a highly economic, non-pollutant and efficient strategy. However, most uranium containing waste waters are highly acidic, but current photocatalysts are still restricted in slightly acidic or neutral media (pH ≥ 4). Herein, a conjugated microporous polymer (CMP), pTTT-Ben, was used for visible light driven photocatalytic reduction of U(VI) in highly acidic condition (pH = 1). A high uranium removal capacity (4710 mg/g) was achieved. The structural information of reduced uranium was investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS), revealing the amorphous U(IV) hydrate complex, with an additional interaction between U(IV) and nitrogen atoms on pTTT-Ben. In addition, pTTT-Ben also showed excellent photocatalytic U(VI) reduction performance under natural sunlight irradiation.

NH2-UiO-66 Coated with Two-Dimensional Covalent Organic Frameworks: High Stability and Photocatalytic Activity.

The poor stability and low catalytic activity of NH2-UiO-66 in basic solutions require the reactions to be conducted in acidic solutions, which seriously hinders its potential photocatalytic application. Herein, we report that NH2-UiO-66 coated with two-dimensional covalent organic frameworks (COFs) via imine bond connection presents not only high photocatalytic activity but also high stability and adaptability to the solution environment. The NH2-UiO-66/COF hybrid material was fabricated through the Schiff base reaction of NH2-UiO-66 with 4,4',4″-(1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triyl)trianiline (TAPT) and 2,4,6-triformylphloroglucinol (TP). The hybrid material showed high stability in an alkaline environment, with only 4.7% of NH2-UiO-66 decomposed after the photocatalytic reaction. The optimum photocatalytic H2 evolution rate was 8.44 mmol·h-1·g-1 when triethanolamine was used as an electron-donating agent. The results presented here illustrate the possibility for effectively improving both the photocatalytic performance and stability of NH2-UiO-66 by coupling with COFs.

Graphene Oxide-Assisted Covalent Triazine Framework for Boosting Photocatalytic H2 Evolution.

Covalent triazine frameworks (CTFs) with two-dimensional structures have exhibited promising visible-light-induced H2 evolution performance. However, it is still a challenge to improve their activity. Herein, we report π-conjugation-linked CTF-1/GO for boosting photocatalytic H2 evolution. The CTF-1/GO hybrid material was obtained by a facile low-temperature condensation of 1,4-dicyanobenzene in the presence of GO. The results of photocatalytic H2 evolution indicate that the optimum hybrid, CTF-1/GO-3.0, exhibited an H2 evolution rate of 2262.4 µmol ⋅ g-1 ⋅ h-1 under visible light irradiation, which was 9 times that of pure CTF-1. The enhanced photocatalytic performance could be attributed to the fact that GO in CTF-1/GO hybrids not only acts as an electron collector and transporter like a "bridge" to facilitate the separation and transfer of photogenerated charges but also shortens the electron migration path due to its thin sheet layer uniformly distribution over CTF-1. This work could help future development of novel conjugated CTF-based composite materials as high-efficiency photocatalyst for photocatalysis.

One-step synthesis of nitrogen-defective graphitic carbon nitride for improving photocatalytic hydrogen evolution.

Defects are significant for graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4, CN) in photocatalytic applications. Defective CN not only accelerate charge separation but also extend spectral response. Engineering carbon or nitrogen defects in CN has been achieved by variety of strategies, but it is still a long-term interest to develop a simple and controllable route for engineering defects in CN. Herein, we present tuning the nitrogen defects in CN by either changing the heating rate or prolonging the pyrolysis time during polymerization melamine sulfate. It was found that either lower heating rate or longer pyrolysis time lead to the formation of more N vacancies and suspended terminal amino. As a result, an optimal photocatalytic H2 yield rate (λ > 420 nm) of 905 µmol g-1 h-1 was reached, which was 2 times higher than that of CN prepared with a heating rate of 1 °C/min and pyrolysis at 600 °C for 4 h.

Defects Engineering Leads to Enhanced Photocatalytic H2 Evolution on Graphitic Carbon Nitride-Covalent Organic Framework Nanosheet Composite.

Graphitic carbon nitride nanosheet (CNS) represents an attractive candidate for solar fuel production. However, the abundant defects in CNS lead to serious charge recombination and limit the photocatalytic performance. Herein, the synthesis of a CNS-covalent organic framework (CNS-COF) nanosheet composite is presented for the first time. CNS with significantly reduced defects is first obtained by rationally tuning the thermal exfoliation conditions of bulk carbon nitride. Subsequent modification of the CNS with trace COF nanosheet through chemical imine bonding can not only passivate the surface termination of carbon nitride in the boundary region, but also establish strong electronic coupling between these two components. As a consequence, enhanced charge separation and photocatalytic activity are realized on the resulting CNS-COF nanosheet composite. Under optimum conditions, hydrogen is evolved at a rate of 46.4 mmol g-1 h-1 . This corresponds to an apparent quantum efficiency of 31.8% at 425 nm, which is among the best values ever reported for carbon nitride-based materials.

Boosting photocatalytic H2 evolution on g-C3N4 by modifying covalent organic frameworks (COFs).

Modifying g-C3N4 with covalent organic frameworks (COFs) through imine linkage results in a dramatically enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic hydrogen evolution, which reached 10.1 mmol g-1 h-1 when 2 wt% Pt and triethanolamine were used as co-catalyst and sacrificial agent, respectively, corresponding to an apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) of 20.7% at 425 nm.

A composite of single-crystalline Bi2WO6 and polycrystalline BiOCl with a high percentage of exposed (00l) facets for highly efficient photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants.

A composite of single-crystalline Bi2WO6 and polycrystalline BiOCl with a high percentage of exposed (00l) facets was fabricated by the molten salt method (MSM) in the presence of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The photocatalytic activity of the composite was 17 and 70 times that of Bi2WO6 prepared by the MSM without PTFE and the traditional solid state reaction method, respectively.

Silicon carbide recovered from photovoltaic industry waste as photocatalysts for hydrogen production.

In recent years, the focus on creating a dependable and efficient means to recycle or recover the valuable parts from the waste material has drawn significantly attention as an environmentally friendly way to deal with the industrial wastes. The silicon carbide (SiC) crystalline is one of reusable material in the slurry wastes generated during wafer slicing. Here we report the use of recovered SiC from the slurry wastes as photocatalysts to produce hydrogen in the presence of Na2SO3-Na2S as electron donor. The recovered SiC were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy spectra (XPS), UV-vis (UV-vis) spectroscopy, and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The morphology of SiC loaded with 1wt% Pt as cocatalyst by thermal-reduction method was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The experimental results reveal that the recovered SiC is mainly consist of 3C-SiC, 6H-SiC and some silicon oxycarbides on the surface of the SiC. The highest hydrogen production rate is 191.8µmolh-1g-1. This study provides a way to recycle crystalline SiC from the discharged waste in the photovoltaic industry and reuse it as photocatalyst to yield hydrogen with the advantage of low energy consumption, low pollution and easy operation.

Light-induced spatial separation of charges toward different crystal facets of square-like WO3.

Light-induced preferential migration of electrons and holes to the minor (200) and (020) facets and the dominant (002) facets of square-like WO3, respectively, resulted in the square-like WO3 nanoplates with Pt loaded mainly on dominant (002) facets shows higher photocatalytic activity than that Pt loaded on the minor facets.

Roles of cocatalysts in semiconductor-based photocatalytic hydrogen production.

A photocatalyst is defined as a functional composite material with three components: photo-harvester (e.g. semiconductor), reduction cocatalyst (e.g. for hydrogen evolution) and oxidation cocatalyst (e.g. for oxidation evolution from water). Loading cocatalysts on semiconductors is proved to be an effective approach to promote the charge separation and transfer, suppress the charge recombination and enhance the photocatalytic activity. Furthermore, the photocatalytic performance can be significantly improved by loading dual cocatalysts for reduction and oxidation, which could lower the activation energy barriers, respectively, for the two half reactions. A quantum efficiency (QE) as high as 93 per cent at 420 nm for H2 production has been achieved for Pt-PdS/CdS, where Pt and PdS, respectively, act as reduction and oxidation cocatalysts and CdS as a photo-harvester. The dual cocatalysts work synergistically and enhance the photocatalytic reaction rate, which is determined by the slower one (either reduction or oxidation). This work demonstrates that the cocatalysts, especially the dual cocatalysts for reduction and oxidation, are crucial and even absolutely necessary for achieving high QEs in photocatalytic hydrogen production, as well as in photocatalytic water splitting.

Soft-templating synthesis of mesoporous graphitic carbon nitride with enhanced photocatalytic H2 evolution under visible light.

g-C(3)N(4) with worm-like pore and narrow pore size distribution was synthesized by using Pluronic P123 as soft-template. The worm-like porous g-C(3)N(4) not only possesses high BET surface area but also redshifts its absorbance edge up to 800 nm, and shows photocatalytic activity even when the irradiation light λ > 700 nm.

Polymer composites of carbon nitride and poly(3-hexylthiophene) to achieve enhanced hydrogen production from water under visible light.

Polymer composites of carbon nitride (g-C(3)N(4)) and poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) resulted in enhanced H(2) production from water-containing Na(2)S and Na(2)SO(3) as electron donors, showing a H(2) evolution rate 300 times the yield achieved using g-C(3)N(4).

[Treatment of intra-articular calcaneal fractures using Kirschner's wire or calcaneal plate].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect and syndrome of treating intra-articular calcaneal fractures using Kirschner's wire or AO calcaneal plate. METHODS: From March 2003 to March 2006, 71 cases (86 feet) of intra-articular calcaneal fractures were treated with Kirschner's wire or AO calcaneal plate. Among them, 39 cases (48 feet) were treated using Kirschner's wire, male 34, female 5. The age ranged from 15 to 64 years old, 36 on average. The course of illness was from 4 hours to 10 days. There were 9 double side bone fractures and 30 one side bone fractures. Based on Sanders type, Type II were 40 feet, Type III were 7 feet and Type IV was 1 foot. The other 32 cases (38 feet) were treated using AO calcaneal plate, male 30, female 2. The age ranged from 18 to 55 years old, 33 on average. The course of illness was from 4 hours to 10 days. There were 6 double side bone fractures and 26 one side bone fractures. A total of 31 feet belonged to Sanders Type II, 5 to Type III, and 2 to Type IV. The 12-month follow-up, at least, was carried out in order to valuate the patients. The valuating items included: preoperative and postoperative Bohler's angle and Gissane's angle; heel bone height and width (contrast with the opposite side); to judge reposition circs by means of the CT scan and Borden's judgment; function valuation adopting the American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) grade point system. RESULTS: Patients with Kirschner's wire fixed were followed up for 12 to 48 months, and AOFAS score ranged from 75 to 100 points, 90.6 on average. The excellent and good rate was 87.8%. The preoperative Bohler's angle was from 0 to 10 degrees, 7.8 degrees on average, and postoperative from 30 to 40 degrees, 33.2 degrees on average. The preoperation Gissane's angle was 75 to 95 degrees, 84 degrees on average; and postoperative from 115 to 135 degrees, 125 degrees on average. There was significant difference (P < 0.05). The postoperative complications were that 1 foot was the incision edge shallow putrescence and 1 foot was the needle way infection. Patients with AO calcaneal plate fixed were followed up for 12 to 48 months, and AOFAS score was from 49 to 100 points, 87.5 on average. The excellent and good rate was 81.6%. There was no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). The preoperative Bohler's angle ranged from 0 to 15 degrees, 6.5 degrees on average, and postoperative from 25 to 40 degrees, 30.2 degrees on average. The preoperative Gissare's angle was 72 to 92 degrees, 80 degrees on average; and postoperative from 115 to 1300,1200 on average. There was significant difference (P < 0.05). The postoperative complications were that 5 feet were the incision edge shallow putrescence, 1 was the common peroneal nerve hurt, and 1 was the petrous muscle aponeurotic inflammation. CONCLUSION: There is no remarkable difference between the effects of treating intra-articular calcaneal fractures using plate or Kirschner's wire, but the treatment with Kirschner's wire is not only much easier and more economical, but has smaller wounds and fewer soft tissue problems.

Enhancement of photocatalytic H2 evolution on CdS by loading MoS2 as Cocatalyst under visible light irradiation.

This communication presents our recent results that the activity of photocatalytic H2 production can be significantly enhanced when a small amount of MoS2 is loaded on CdS as cocatalyst. The MoS2/CdS catalysts show high rate of H2 evolution from photocatalytic re-forming of lactic acid under visible light irradiation. The rate of H2 evolution on CdS is increased by up to 36 times when loaded with only 0.2 wt % of MoS2, and the activity of MoS2/CdS is even higher than those of the CdS photocatalysts loaded with different noble metals, such as Pt, Ru, Rh, Pd, and Au. The junction formed between MoS2 and CdS and the excellent H2 activation property of MoS2 are supposed to be responsible for the enhanced photocatalytic activity of MoS2/CdS.