Enhancing the spatial separation of photogenerated charges on Fe-based MOFs via structural regulation for highly-efficient photocatalytic Cr(VI) reduction.

Although iron-based metal-organic frameworks (Fe-MOFs) have displayed the photocatalytic activity, there is still abundant room for improving their photocatalytic performance through tuning the structures. In this work, four novel iron-based metal-organic frameworks (Fe-MOFs) were successfully synthesized via ligand modulation for better photocatalytic Cr(VI) reduction, in which MTBDC-TPT-Fe had the highest catalytic activity (MTBDC = 2,5-bis(methylthio)terephthalic acid, TPT = 2,4,6-tri(4-pyridyl)- 1,3,5-triazine). The boosted photocatalytic reduction may be mainly ascribed to the enhanced electron push-pull effect between iron-oxygen clusters and organic ligands. The introduction of -SCH3 groups can enhance the light absorption and donate electrons to iron center under visible-light irradiation, meanwhile the separation and transfer of photogenerated charge carriers can be enhanced resulting from the electron-pulling effect when introducing TPT. Moreover, enhanced specific surface areas and positive skeleton charge due to the introduction of TPT may improve active sites exposure and Cr(VI) adsorption, thereby enhancing photocatalytic Cr(VI) reduction activity without the presence of any assisted scavengers. In addition, the photocatalytic mechanism (i.e. active species) were also studied and presented. This work confirmed an effective structure-performance regulation strategy on Fe-MOFs for photocatalytic Cr(VI) reduction.

Marriage of 2D Covalent-Organic Framework and 3D Network as Stable Solar-Thermal Still for Efficient Solar Steam Generation.

In this work, a diketopyrrolopyrrole-based 2D covalent-organic framework (COF) is realized and featured with broadband optical absorption and high solar-thermal conversion performance. Moreover, a 3D hierarchical structure, referred to as COF-based hierarchical structure (COFHS), is rationally designed to achieve an enhanced photothermal conversion efficiency. In this water evaporator, diketopyrrolopyrrole is immobilized into conjugated COF to achieve enhanced light absorption, whereas a porous PVA network scaffold is utilized to support COF sheets as well as to enhance the hydrophilicity of the evaporator. Due to this structural advantage, COFHS displays a high solar-to-vapor energy conversion efficiency of 93.2%. Under 1 sun AM1.5 G irradiation, a stable water evaporation rate of 2.5 kg m-2 h-1 can be achieved. As a proof-of-concept application, a water collection device prepared with the COFHS can achieve high solar-thermal water collection efficiency of 10.2 L m-2 d-1 under natural solar irradiation. The good solar-thermal conversion properties and high-water evaporation rate make the COFHS a promising platform for solar-thermal water production.

[Clinical efficacy of posterior percutaneous endoscopic cervical discectomy for single level cervical spondylopathy with intraspinal ossification].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and security of posterior percutaneous endoscopic cervical discectomy (PPECD) in the treatment of single level cervical spondylopathy with intraspinal ossification. METHODS: Twenty three patients with single level cervical spondylopathy with intraspinal ossification were treated by posterior percutaneous endoscopic cervical discectomy between August 2017 and July 2019. There were 16 males and 7 females, aged from 29 to 74 years old with an average of (50±13) years.The disease duration were 3 to 120 months with a median of 6 months. There were 9 cases of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy, 6 cases of cervical spondylotic myelopathy, and 8 cases of mixed cervical spondylopathy. According to the characteristics of ossification, 17 cases were osteophytes on the posterior edge of the vertebral body;3 cases were protrusion ossification;3 cases were posterior longitudinal ligament ossification. According to the position of ossification in spinal canal, 14 cases were medial and lateral type, 5 cases were central type, and 4 cases were mixed type. Posterior percutaneous cervical endoscopic cervical discectomy in patients performed by the same surgeon. Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score and visual analogue scale(VAS) were compared separately before and after operation. At 3 months after operation, clinical effect was assessed according to modified Macnab standard. RESULTS: All operations were successful. The operative time was 30 to 155 (69.1±27.2) min. The bedridden time was 2 to 3(3.0±0.9) h, length of postoperative hospitalization was 2 to 7(4.1± 1.5) d. Three dimensional CT reconstruction of the cervical spine at 3 days after operation showed that ossified tissue of 13 cases were completely removed, and 10 cases were left after operation, and the residual was located at the posterior edge and/or center of the upper vertebral body. VAS score at discharge from hospital was significantly lower than that before operation (t=9.35, P<0.001), and 21 cases had a score of 0 to 3. Postoperative JOA score was significantly higher (t=7.29, P<0.001). At 3 months after operation, according to modified Macnab standard to evaluate clinical effect, 18 cases got exellent results, 4 good and 1 fair, with an excellent and good rate of 95.6%(22/23). CONCLUSION: For an experienced surgeon, percutaneous posterior cervical endoscopic discectomy is safe and reliable in treating single level cervical spondylopathy with intraspinal ossification, and can obtain good clinical results.

Assembly of Two Mesoporous Anionic Metal-Organic Frameworks for Fluorescent Sensing of Metal Ions and Organic Dyes Separation.

Anionic metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted increasing attention due to the enhanced electrostatic interactions between their anionic frameworks and counter-ionic guests. Owing to these special host-guest interactions, anionic MOFs are beginning to have a large impact in the field of absorption and separation of ionic molecules and selective sensing of metal ions. Herein, two mesoporous anionic metal-organic frameworks, namely, [(CH3)2NH2]6[In6(OX)6(TCA)4]·solvents (JOU-11) and [(CH3)2NH2]6[In6(OX)6(TCPA)4]·solvents (JOU-12) (H3TCA = tricarboxytriphenylamine; H3TCPA = tris((4-carboxyl)phenylduryl)amine; OX = oxalate), have been synthesized by using wheel-type [In6(OX)6(COO)12]6- as building blocks. Structural analyses show that JOU-11 and JOU-12 show isoreticular three-dimensional frameworks with pyr topology. Due to their anionic frameworks and tunable pore window sizes, both compounds can be exploited for absorbing and separating cationic organic dyes. In addition, JOU-11 can be developed as a fluorescence "turn-off" sensor for selectively sensing Fe3+, whereas JOU-12 can be used for fluorescence "turn-on" sensing of Cu2+ and Co2+ ions.

Chemical profiles and pharmacological activities of Chang-Kang-Fang, a multi-herb Chinese medicinal formula, for treating irritable bowel syndrome.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Chang-Kang-Fang formula (CKF), a multi-herb traditional Chinese medicinal formula, has been clinically used for treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The mechanisms of CKF for treating IBS and the components that are responsible for the activities were still unknown. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the chemical profiles and effects of CKF on IBS model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The chemical profiles of CKF were investigated by ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q/TOF-MS/MS). On colon irritation induced rat neonates IBS model, the influence of CKF on neuropeptides, including substance P (SP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), were measured by ELISA, and the effect on intestinal sensitivity was assessed based on the abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) scores. In addition, the activities of CKF against acetic acid-induced nociceptive responses and prostigmin methylsulfate triggered intestinal propulsion in mice were also evaluated. RESULTS: 80 components were identified or tentatively assigned from CKF, including 11 alkaloids, 20 flavanoids, 4 monoterpenoids, 9 iridoid glycoside, 9 phenylethanoid glycosides, 10 chromones, 7 organic acid, 3 coumarins, 2 triterpene and 5 other compounds. On IBS rat model, CKF was observed to reduce AWR scores and levels of SP, CGRP, VIP and 5-HT. Moreover, CKF reduced the acetic acid-induced writhing scores at all dosages and reduced the intestinal propulsion ration at dosage of 7.5 and 15.0g/kg/d. CONCLUSIONS: CKF could alleviate the symptoms of IBS by modulating the brain-gut axis through increasing the production of neuropeptides such as CGRP, VIP, 5-HT and SP, releasing pain and reversing disorders of intestinal propulsion. Berberine, paeoniflorin, acteoside, flavonoids and chromones may be responsible for the multi-bioactivities of CKF.

An electron-transfer photochromic crystalline MOF accompanying photoswitchable luminescence in a host-guest system.

A new electron transfer type photoactive host-guest supramolecule was constructed by introducing (CH3)2NH2+ cations to the MOF framework. The resulting compound 1 exhibits reversible photochromic property without using photochromic components, resulting from photoinduced electron-transfer between the electron-rich anionic framework and the electron-deficient guest ions. In addition, a photoluminescence "on/off switch" occurs during the coloration-decoloration process. The raw materials are non-poisonous and harmless, hence compound 1 may be more cost-effective, clean, and harmless to the heath than existing photochromic materials.

Simultaneous ureteroscopic lithotripsy and contralateral percutaneous nephrolithotomy for ureteral calculi combined with renal staghorn calculi.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of simultaneous ureteroscopic lithotripsy and contralateral percutaneous nephrolithotomy for ureteral calculi combined with contralateral renal staghorn calculi. METHODS: The present prospective controlled trial had been registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Registration number: ChiCTR-ONRC-13004146). Patients with ureteral calculi and contralateral renal staghorn calculi were enrolled into the staged (ureteroscopic lithotripsy first followed by a staged percutaneous nephrolithotomy) or the simultaneous (synchronous ureteroscopic lithotripsy and contralateral percutaneous nephrolithotomy) treatment group according to the odd or even number of the last hospitalization number. All patients signed informed consent. The primary outcomes were the stone-free rate and total hospital costs. The second outcomes were the operative and anesthesia times, the complication rate, and hospital stay. RESULTS: A total of 51 patients were enrolled into the staged group and 52 patients were enrolled into the simultaneous group. There were no statistically significant differences in patients' characteristics. The overall stone-free rate was 94.1% in the staged group and 92.3% in the simultaneous group. No severe complication was observed. The total hospital stay of the staged group was longer, and it was negatively correlated to different procedures. The cost in the staged group was higher, and it was correlated with total operation time and postoperative hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous ureteroscopic lithotripsy and contralateral percutaneous nephrolithotomy represent safe and effective procedures, and they can be considered as a first-line treatment for selected patients presenting with ureteral calculi combined with contralateral renal calculi.

Plasmakinetic enucleation of the prostate vs plasmakinetic resection of the prostate for benign prostatic hyperplasia: comparison of outcomes according to prostate size in 310 patients.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the safety and efficiency of plasmakinetic enucleation of the prostate (PKEP) with that of plasmakinetic resection of the prostate (PKRP) in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three hundred ten patients diagnosed to have BPH were randomized to undergo either PKEP or PKRP. The perioperative data and postoperative outcomes followed at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after surgery were recorded and compared in the groups classified according to the baseline prostate volume: ≤ 60 mL and >60 mL. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the preoperative data. Compared with PKRP, PKEP costs longer operative time (56.1 ± 14.6 vs 41.3 ± 9.6 min; P < .001) for prostate volume ≤ 60 mL, but reduced operative time (75.6 ± 12.3 vs 88.7 ± 14.3 minutes; P <.001) and caused less blood loss (167.6 ± 44.4 vs 225.7 ± 49.5 mL; P < .001) for prostate volume >60 mL. However, regardless of prostate size, the incidence of transient incontinence after PKEP was higher. The postoperative improvement among these groups in International Prostate Symptom Score, quality of life, and maximal flow rate was similar at 24-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: PKEP and PKRP are both safe and effective treatments for BPH independent of prostate size. Despite that the incidence of transient incontinence after PKEP was higher, PKEP was significantly superior to PKRP in operative time and blood loss for prostate volume >60 mL and may become the modern alternative to PKRP for large BPH.

[Effects of bushen huoxue decoction on neurobiochemical markers in the hippocampus of female rats with repeated immobilization stress].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect o f Bushen Huoxue Decoction (BHD) on neurobiochemical markers in the hippocampus of female rats with repeated immobilization stress. METHODS: Sixty female rats were randomly divided into the normal group, the model group, the positive control group (treated with Liuwei Dihuang Pill at the dose of 3.3 g crude drug/kg), and the high, middle, and low BHD treated groups (at the dose of 8, 4, 2 g crude drug/kg), ten in each group. Chronic psychological stress was induced using repeated immobilization stress in rats. Medication was conducted by gastrogavage while modeling once a day for twenty successive days. The hippocampal neurohumoral levels were detected with high-performance liquid chromatography. The expression levels of BDNF and its receptor in the hippocampus were detected by Westem blot. Effect of BHD on neurobiochemical markers in the hippocampus of rats with repeated immobilization stress was observed. RESULTS: The levels of Glu, GABA, and BDNF in the hippocampus of the normal group were 1280.0 +/- 258.3 ng/mg, 588.3 +/- 115.1 ng/mg, and 13.26 +/- 2.57 gray value, respectively. But the hippocampal neurohumoral levels and the expression of BDNF in the model group obviously decreased when compared with the normal group, being 1016.9 +/- 215.9 ng/mg, 485.1 +/- 71.0 ng/mg, and 7.23 +/- 0.61 gray value, respectively. The levels of Glu (ng/mg) in hippocampus of the three BHD treated groups were 1459.1 +/- 413.5, 1894.7 +/- 542.8, and 1373.3 +/- 345.7, respectively. GABA levels (ng/mg) inthe hippocampus were 631.6 +/- 161.4, 899.1 +/- 262.1, and 656.4 +/- 140.8, respectively. BDNF levels (gray value) were 16.57 +/- 1.52, 29.85 +/- 1.37, and 24.44 +/- 3.81, respectively, significantly higher than that of the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The level of Glu in the positive control group (1216.5 +/- 193.8 ng/mg) was significantly higher than that of model group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: BHD showed significant accommodation on the hippocampal neurohumoral levels and the expression of BDNF in the female rats with repeated immobilization stress.

[Study on Cornu Bos grunniens from Tibet substituting Cornu Rhinoceri].

OBJECTIVE: Comparing the pyretolysis effect of Cornu Rhinoceri Soup, an ancient prescription of Traditional Chinese Medicine, on fever model of rabbits after Cornu Bos grunniens from Tibet substituting Cornu Rhinoceri, in order to find the succedaneums of Cornu Rhinoceri, a rare animal medicine. METHODS: The fever model was made by over-due Triple-Vaccine i.v. through the vein of rabbit in edge ear. 1 hour later, the different decoctions i.g. in different groups of rabbits, then detecting the dynamic changes of body temperature in fever rabbits. RESULTS: 1 hour after the decoction i.g., there were significant pyretolysis effects in the Cornu Bos grunniens groups of rabbits with large and small dosage (P < 0.05 or 0.01). After 2h,the same effect showed in the Cornu Bubali group with large dosage (P < 0.05 or 0.01) and 3h later in small one. In the groups of Cornu Rhinoceri, large dosage i.g. 1 h later, the rising amplitude of body temperature in fever rabbits was slower comparing to the model group. 2h later, there were the same effects as other groups. CONCLUSION: The pyretolysis effect of Cornu Rhinoceri Soup on fever model rabbits is as same as it of which containing Cornu Bos grunniens instead of Cornu Rhinoceri. It means that the Cornu Bos grunniens from Tibet could be the substitution of Cornu Rhinoceri.