Tin bisulfide nanoplates anchored onto flower-like bismuth tungstate nanosheets for enhancement in the photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutant.

The development of efficient heterojunctions through a simple and facile method is an effective way to enhance the photocatalytic performance of bismuth-based oxide semiconductors for industrial applications. Here, the novel flower-like type II SnS2/Bi2WO6 heterostructure consisting of bismuth tungstate (Bi2WO6) nanosheets and tin bisulfide (SnS2) nanoplates was successfully designed and synthesized. The crystal structure, composition, morphology, and photoelectric properties of the heterostructure were systematically characterized. In addition, the photocatalytic activity of SnS2/Bi2WO6 was analyzed and compared with Bi2WO6 or SnS2 alone or physical mixture of SnS2 and Bi2WO6. 2%SnS2/Bi2WO6 presents a 3.1 times greater degradation rate constant (0.0065 min-1) than that of Bi2WO6 (0.0021 min-1) under low visible light irradiation (5.3 mW·cm-2, a 44 W LED), while SnS2 alone exhibits no photocatalytic effect toward glyphosate. Furthermore, 2%SnS2/Bi2WO6 maintains 93% of its original photocatalytic activity even after four cycles. The possible photocatalytic degradation pathway of glyphosate and photocatalytic mechanism are also proposed. The excellent photocatalytic performance of SnS2/Bi2WO6 is attributed to the decoration of SnS2 nanoplates on the surface of Bi2WO6, appropriate (113)/(020) ratio, increased visible-light absorption, and effective separation of photoinduced carriers. This paper reports a new methodology that can act as a reference basis to design and develop visible-light responsive photocatalysts with outstanding photocatalytic performance for carbon dioxide reduction, water splitting, and pollutant degradation.

Enhanced photocatalytic degradation of glyphosate over 2D CoS/BiOBr heterojunctions under visible light irradiation.

Two-dimensional (2D) heterojunction photocatalysts can shorten the carrier transfer pathway. In this study, CoS nanoparticles were deposited on the surface of 2D BiOBr nanosheets to fabricate novel ultrathin and intimate-contact 2D heterojunction photocatalysts by a two-step solvothermal route. Under visible-light (λ > 400 nm) irradiation, the apparent reaction rate constant of glyphosate degradation over 10%CoS/BiOBr reaches 0.0074 min-1 (74.7% glyphosate was degraded within 3 h), which is about 5.3 times that of pure BiOBr (0.0014 min-1). The extraordinary photocatalytic performance is attributed to the strong visible-light absorption, the effective charge separation and low charge transfer resistance. The possible photocatalytic reaction process and mechanism over CoS/BiOBr heterojunctions are proposed. Moreover, the 10%CoS/BiOBr sample shows good reusability and stability. This work could provide a new insight for the design and development of 2D heterojunction photocatalysts.

Fabrication of hierarchical copper sulfide/bismuth tungstate p-n heterojunction with two-dimensional (2D) interfacial coupling for enhanced visible-light photocatalytic degradation of glyphosate.

Hierarchical copper sulfide/bismuth tungstate (CuS/Bi2WO6) p-n junction with two-dimensional (2D) interfacial coupling were prepared through a two-step hydrothermal method. The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, photocurrent and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. CuS nanoplates anchored on the surface of hierarchical Bi2WO6 microspheres consisting of Bi2WO6 nanosheets to form a CuS/Bi2WO6 p-n junction photocatalyst. The photocatalytic activity of glyphosate degradation over CuS/Bi2WO6 under 44 W light-emitting diode (LED) light irradiation (λ > 400 nm) was investigated. The results indicate that the CuS/Bi2WO6 heterojunctions display higher photocatalytic activity than pure CuS and Bi2WO6. The improved photocatalytic activity of the CuS/Bi2WO6 heterostructures can be attributed to strong visible light absorption and enhanced separation of photogenerated charge carriers by the internal electric field near the interface of the p-n junction. In addition, the CuS/Bi2WO6 p-n junction photocatalysts consisting of nanosheets are beneficial for the transport of photoexcited charge carriers, thus resulting in the increase of the photocatalytic activity of glyphosate degradation. This work provides the new avenue for the development and design p-n junction materials for photocatalytic applications.

Comparison of the gastric acid inhibition function among lansoprazole, pantoprazole, and their respective stereoisomers in healthy Chinese subjects
.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to evaluate the difference in acid inhibition function among lansoprazole (LPZ), pantoprazole (PPZ), and their respective stereoisomers following single and multiple intravenous doses in healthy Chinese subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The dosage groups were set as follows: 30 mg single and multiple intravenous administrations of LPZ or R-LPZ, 40 mg single and multiple intravenous administrations of PPZ or S-PPZ. Subjects received an intravenous infusion of LPZ, R-LPZ, PPZ, or S-PPZ injection in sterile saline solution (100 mL/h, 60 minutes), respectively. The intragastric pH was sampled every second for 24 hours at baseline and for 24 hours after drug administration. The baseline-adjusted pharmacodynamic (PD) parameters include ΔMean (pH), ΔMedian (pH), ΔTpH≥3 (%), ΔTpH≥4 (%), ΔTpH≥6 (%), and ΔAUECph-tτ1-τ2. The PD parameters were evaluated in different time intervals (0 - 24 hours, 0 - 4 hours and 14 - 24 hours). RESULTS: After a single dose, the ΔTpH≥4 (%) of R-LPZ, LPZ, S-PPZ and PPZ was 56.6 ± 19.6, 53.1 ± 23.3, 35.6 ± 24.9 and 26.8 ± 30.2, respectively. The ΔTpH≥6 (%) was 50.7 ± 26.1, 41.4 ± 26.2, 25.4 ± 24.9 and 22.1 ± 27.6, respectively. The ΔAUECph-τ1-τ was 45,564 ± 16,107, 41,798 ± 16,153, 31,914 ± 17,304 and 20,744 ± 21,500, respectively. Statistically significant differences were found with R-LPZ vs. S-PPZ, R-LPZ vs. PPZ, LPZ vs. S-PPZ and LPZ vs. PPZ. The average TpH≥4 of R-LPZ, LPZ, S-PPZ, and PPZ was (47.2 ± 26.1) minutes, (49.6 ± 19.3) minutes, (56.1 ± 23.7) minutes, and (72.1 ± 27.3) minutes, respectively. Statistically significant differences were found with R-LPZ vs. PPZ (p = 0.009) and LPZ vs. PPZ (p = 0.019). After multiple doses, the ΔTpH≥4 (%) of R-LPZ, LPZ, S-PPZ, and PPZ was 71.7 ± 20.2, 63.5 ± 19.4, 59.5 ± 17.8 and 64.0 ± 22.4, respectively. The ΔTpH≥6 (%) was 64.0 ± 22.2, 52.0 ± 19.2, 49.6 ± 20.4 and 50.9 ± 23.8, respectively. The ΔAUECph-τ1-τ was 326,149 ± 94,839, 288,565 ± 93,279, 296,189 ± 83,412 and 300,960 ± 108,057, respectively. No statistically significant differences were found in baseline-adjusted PD parameters during all time periods after multiple doses. CONCLUSION: After a single dose, the mean gastric pH inhibition value of R-LPZ was the highest, followed by LPZ, then S-PPZ and PPZ. R-LPZ and LPZ provided significantly better pH control compared with PPZ and S-PPZ in healthy subjects. The onset time of R-LPZ was the fastest and R-LPZ can provide better acid inhibition during sleeping time. After multiple doses, the mean values in all PD parameters of R-LPZ were the highest, the values of LPZ, S-PPZ, and PPZ were similar. However, no significant difference was found in acid inhibition among these four drugs after multiple doses.

Two-step hydrothermal synthesis of peanut-shaped molybdenum diselenide/bismuth vanadate (MoSe2/BiVO4) with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity for the degradation of glyphosate.

The novel peanut-like shaped MoSe2/BiVO4 composites were fabricated via a facile two-step hydrothermal method and their photocatalytic activity was evaluated by the degradation of glyphosate under the visible light irradiation. The efficient transfer of photogenerated carriers and the charge separation were confirmed by photoluminescence spectra (PL), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and photocurrent. The coupling of MoSe2 and BiVO4 remarkably enhanced the photocatalytic activity. The 0.15MoSe2/BiVO4 composite showed the highest photocatalytic performance for the degradation of glyphosate among all the as-prepared photocatalysts and presented the high stability and good reusability in the photocatalytic reactions.

Nickel sulfide/graphitic carbon nitride/strontium titanate (NiS/g-C3N4/SrTiO3) composites with significantly enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production activity.

NiS/g-C3N4/SrTiO3 (NS/CN/STO) composites were prepared using a facile hydrothermal method. The synergistic effect of g-C3N4/SrTiO3 (CN/STO) heterojunction and NiS cocatalyst enhanced the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity of NS/CN/STO. A hydrogen production rate of 1722.7 µmol h-1 g-1 was obtained when the 2%NiS/20%g-C3N4/SrTiO3 (2NS/20CN/STO) was used for the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution in the presence of methanol used as a sacrificial agent under UV-vis light irradiation; the photocatalytic hydrogen production rate of 2NS/20CN/STO is 32.8, 8.9 and 4.2 times the value of that obtained with pure g-C3N4, SrTiO3 and 20%g-C3N4/SrTiO3 (20CN/STO), respectively. Moreover, in photoelectrochemical investigations when compared with 20CN/STO, SrTiO3 and g-C3N4, 2NS/20CN/STO exhibited significant photocurrent enhancement. The heterojunction and cocatalyst in NS/CN/STO improved the charge separation efficiency and the lifetime of the charge carriers, leading to the enhanced generation of electrons for photocatalytic hydrogen production.

The impact of PM2.5 on the human respiratory system.

Recently, many researchers paid more attentions to the association between air pollution and respiratory system disease. In the past few years, levels of smog have increased throughout China resulting in the deterioration of air quality, raising worldwide concerns. PM2.5 (particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter) can penetrate deeply into the lung, irritate and corrode the alveolar wall, and consequently impair lung function. Hence it is important to investigate the impact of PM2.5 on the respiratory system and then to help China combat the current air pollution problems. In this review, we will discuss PM2.5 damage on human respiratory system from epidemiological, experimental and mechanism studies. At last, we recommend to the population to limit exposure to air pollution and call to the authorities to create an index of pollution related to health.

Effect of protein-tyrosine phosphatase 4A3 by small interfering RNA on the proliferation of lung cancer.

Previous studies on PTP4A3 mainly focused on tumor metastasis due to the close relationship between the overexpression of lung cancer and metastasis. However, the role of PTP4A3 in the proliferation of tumor still has remained unclear. To investigate the role of PTP4A3 in cell growth of lung cancer, we constructed PTP4A3-siRNA expressing lentivirus and infected human lung cancer H1299 cells, and then examined the inhibitory effect of PTP4A3 in vitro. The levels of PTP4A3 mRNA and protein in H1299 cells decreased after PTP4A3-siRNA lentivirus infection. The growth and colony formation of the infected cells were also inhibited, indicating that PTP4A3 gene is closely associated with the proliferation of H1299 cells. In addition, after PTP4A3 specific siRNA lentivirus infection, it was notable that whilst H1299 cells in G1 phase apparently reduced, both of H1299 cells in G2/M phase and the cell apoptosis increased significantly. This finding indicated the close relationship between PTP4A3 gene and apoptosis in the H1299 cells. These results come to their conclusion that PTP4A3 plays an important role in the growth of lung cancer cells. PTP4A3 may be considered as a valuable target for anti-tumor therapeutic strategies.

B7-H3 and CD133 expression in non-small cell lung cancer and correlation with clinicopathologic factors and prognosis.

OBJECTIVE: To detect the expression of B7-H3 and CD133 in human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) specimens and lung benign lesions, and to evaluate the correlation between the 2 biomarkers and clinicopathologic features. METHODS: This is a case-control study of 102 tissue specimens collected from NSCLC participants undergoing thoracic surgery in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China, between January 2006 and December 2008. From the 102 patients, 25 adjacent non-cancer samples were verified pathologically as normal tissue (positive group), and 24 benign inflammatory lesion tissues were used as control (negative group). Specimens from 126 participants were stained immunohistochemically using Image-Pro Plus software, and the cell number was measured in each section. RESULTS: Of the 102 specimens, 71 expressed B7-H3, and 51 expressed CD133, higher than that in benign lesions (p<0.001) or non-cancer tissues (p<0.001). B7-H3 expression in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was significantly higher than those in adenocarcinoma (p=0.048), while CD133 expression in large cell lung carcinoma was higher than that in SCC (p=0.023). The mean number of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in the B7-H3-positive group was lower than that in the B7-H3-negative group (p=0.026). The mean TILs in the CD133-positive group was significantly lower than that in CD133-negative group (p=0.029). We found that CD133 was related to tumor cell differentiation degree and CD133 expression was negatively correlated with B7-H3 expression. The CD133 positive or B7-H3 negative was associated with poor prognosis of NSCLC patients by Cox regression analysis. CONCLUSION: Both CD133 and B7-H3 might induce apoptosis of TILs in NSCLC and tumor evading host immune surveillance. Either CD133 or B7-H3 might be an independent risk factor of NSCLC participants.

[Changing characteristics of temperature and humidity in different type bags for bagging apple and their effects on fruit appearance quality].

This paper studied the changing characteristics of temperature and humidity in different type bags for bagging Fuji apple during its development and their effects on the appearance quality of the fruit. The results showed that there was a negative correlation between the changes of temperature and humidity in the bags. Temperature started to rise rapidly from 9:00, with the highest appeared generally from 13:00 to 14:00 in spring and autumn or from 13:00 to 17:00 in mid-summer, while the lowest at about 5:00. In parallel, the highest humidity usually appeared at about 6:00. There were different microenvironments in different bags, especially in hot and rainy days. The highest temperature appeared in double-layer bags, while the highest humidity appeared in single-layer ones. Usually, high temperature led to extremely dry, e.g. the humidity in bags was below 40% at 35 degrees C. Bagging had obvious effects on fruit quality. Comparing with single-layer bags, double-layer bags had better effects in improving fruit appearance quality, and the best was that of type XL.

[Correlation of the (rotation) traction force with the pressure in the nucleus pulposus in multiple segments of the cervical vertebra].

OBJECTIVE: To study the correlation between cervical (rotation) traction force and the pressure in the cervical nucleus pulposus based on an examination of multiple segments of the cervical vertebra. METHODS: The data obtained from our observation were processed by the exponential model, and the changes in the pressure reduction (P) in the cervical nucleus pulposus were analyzed. RESULTS: When stretching followed by rotation was imposed on the cervical vertebra, an increase of P was first observed due to the stretching before a reduction in P caused by the rotation. The P of C(3-4) segments was constantly greater than that of C(5-6) segments, while the changes in P of C(4-5) followed different patterns. CONCLUSION: Changes of P in each segment of the cervical vertebra are similar in response to the load force, and there is no correlation of monotonic increase or decrease between the changes of P and the location of the cervical vertebra.