First principles study of electronic and optical properties and photocatalytic performance of GaN–SiS van der Waals heterostructure

The vertical stacking of two-dimensional materials via van der Waals (vdW) interaction is a promising technique for tailoring the physical properties and fabricating potential devices to be applied in the emerging fields of materials science and nanotechnology. The structural, electronic and optical properties and photocatalytic performance of a GaN–SiS vdW heterostructure were explored using first principles calculations. The most stable stacking configuration found energetically stable, possesses a direct staggered band gap, which is crucial for separating photogenerated charged carriers in different constituents and is efficacious for solar cells. Further, the charge transfer occurred from the SiS to GaN layer, indicating that SiS exhibits p-type doping in the GaN–SiS heterobilayer. Interestingly, a systematic red-shift was observed in the optical absorption spectra of the understudy heterobilayer system. Moreover, the conduction band edge and valence band edge of the monolayers and corresponding heterostructure were located above and below the standard redox potentials for photocatalytic water splitting, making these systems promising for water dissociation for hydrogen fuel production. The results provide a route to design the GaN–SiS vdW heterostructure for the practical realization of next-generation light detection and energy harvesting devices.

The two dimensional GaN–SiS van der Waals heterostructure is a promising candidate for optoelectronic and photocatalytic water splitting.     

Long‐term follow‐up effect of omalizumab in chronic spontaneous urticaria and its association with serum C‐reactive protein levels

This study aims to determine the efficacy of omalizumab, a humanized monoclonal anti‐immunoglobulin E antibody, in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) refractory to conventional therapy, together with the evaluation of serum CRP levels. All the patients with a diagnosis of CSU who were continuously treated with omalizumab (300 mg/mo) for at least 3 months between June 2016 and July 2019 were included in this study. Urticaria activity score (UAS‐7) was used for assessment of disease activity. Serum CRP levels were also retrospectively analyzed. When UAS‐7 scores before the initiation of therapy were compared to the week 4, 12, 24, and 36 scores after the treatment, each were significantly different from the pretreatment results (P < .01). CRP level prior to treatment was found to be strongly correlated with baseline UAS scores of the patients' (P = .00). At the 12th week of treatment, decline of CRP level was positively and strongly correlated with the decline of UAS (P = .037). In this study, mean UAS decreased, mean rescue medication use declined, and overall therapeutic response improved with omalizumab treatment. Additionally, significant correlation between the decline of CRP levels and treatment response was found.     

Development and characterization of DNAzyme candidates demonstrating significant efficiency against human rhinoviruses

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Riga‐Fede disease in the upper jaw in an infant

Riga‐Fede disease is a benign and uncommon mucosal disorder. This illness is an ulceration of the oral mucosa and arises from repetitive traumatic injuries. The disease is usually caused by the sharp edges of new erupted teeth. The aim of the present case report is to present Riga‐Fede disease and its treatment. We reported a 11‐month‐old healthy female infant diagnosed as Riga‐Fede disease based on clinical features. After the conservative treatment that focused on eliminating the source of trauma, total healing was observed. Riga‐Fede disease is rare. This illness can be confused with malignancies. Therefore, the diagnosis and treatment of this disease are very important for physicians and patients.     

Hybrid Repair of an Acute Type B Dissection with Subclavian‐to‐Subclavian Bypass and Stent‐Grafting

Abstract Hybrid repair of an acute type B aortic dissection with endovascular stenting and aortic arch debranching is an acceptable treatment in complicated type B dissection. We present the case of a 71‐year‐old man presenting with acute type B aortic dissection and concomitant aneurysm of the distal aortic arch, who underwent an uneventful hybrid procedure, which involved subclavian‐to‐subclavian bypass before endovascular stent‐graft placement to the aortic arch. (J Card Surg 2010;25:336‐339)     

Management of Preoperatively Suspected Choledocholithiasis: A Decision Analysis

Background  The management of symptomatic or incidentally discovered common bile duct (CBD) stones is still controversial. Of patients undergoing elective cholecystectomy for symptomatic cholelithiasis, 5–15% will also harbor CBD stones, and those with symptoms suggestive of choledocholithiasis will have an even higher incidence. Options for treatment include preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with sphincterotomy (ERCP/ES) followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy, laparoscopic cholecystectomy with intraoperative cholangiogram (LC/IOC), followed by either laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) or placement of a common bile duct double-lumen catheter with postoperative management. The purpose of this analysis was to determine the optimal management of such patients. Methods  A decision analysis was performed to analyze the management of patients with suspected common bile duct stones. The basic choice was between preoperative ERCP/ES followed by LC, LC/IOC followed by LCBDE, or common duct double-lumen catheter (Fitzgibbons tube) placement with either expectant management or postoperative ERCP/ES. Data on morbidity and mortality was obtained from the literature. Sensitivity analysis was done varying the incidence of positive CBD stones on IOC with associated morbidity and mortality. Results  One-stage management of symptomatic CBD stones with LC/LCBDE is associated with less morbidity and mortality (7% and 0.19%) than two-stage management utilizing preoperative ERCP/ES (13.5% and 0.5%). Sensitivity analysis shows that there is an increase in morbidity and mortality for LC/LCBDE as the incidence of positive IOC increases but are still less than two-stage management even with a 100% positive IOC (9.4%, 0.5%). If a double-lumen catheter is to be used for positive IOC, the morbidity would be higher than two-stage management only if the positive IOC incidence is more than 65% but still with no mortality. Conclusion  LCBDE has lower morbidity and mortality rates compared to preoperative ERCP/ES in the management of patients with suspected CBD stones even if the chance of CBD stones reaches 100%. Using a common duct double-lumen catheter may be considered if LCBDE is not feasible and the chance of CBD stone is less than 65%. Presented in part at the 49th Annual Meeting of the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract [Poster Session], San Diego, CA, May 17–21, 2008