Catalytic oxidation of NO over MnOx–CoOx/TiO2 in the presence of a low ratio of O3/NO: activity and mechanism

In order to broaden the temperature range of NO oxidation reaction in flue gas and maintain high oxidation efficiency, various loading amounts of MnO_x–CoO_x/TiO₂ mesoporous catalysts were tested in the catalytic oxidation of NO. It was found that 15%MnO_x–CoO_x(2 : 1)/TiO₂ demonstrated the best adsorption performance to oxygen species and contained more oxygen vacancies, as well as the best surface oxygen mobility, thus exhibiting excellent NO catalytic oxidation activity. O₃ (O₃/NO < 1) combined with 15%MnO_x–CoO_x(2 : 1)/TiO₂ improved the oxidation efficiency of NO at 50–400 °C, especially below 250 °C. When the temperatures were less than 250 °C, the oxidation efficiencies of NO by O₃ over 15%MnO_x–CoO_x(2 : 1)/TiO₂ were 5–13% higher than the calculated theoretical efficiencies. This indicated that there was a synergistic effect between O₃ and 15%MnO_x–CoO_x(2 : 1)/TiO₂ below 250 °C. Based on the results of in situ DRIFTS studies, it was deduced that monodentate nitrates were the main intermediates that produced a synergistic effect due to the introduction of O₃. In addition, O₃ accelerated the transformation between nitrate species, decreased the decomposition temperature of nitrate species, and inhibited the accumulation of nitrate ions, thus improving the oxidation efficiency of NO.

O₃ promotes the formation of monodentate nitrates at low temperature, thus improving the efficiency of NO oxidation.     

Diagnosis of female urethral diverticulum using transvaginal contrast-enhanced sonourethrography

Introduction and hypothesis

This study investigated the value of transvaginal contrast-enhanced sonourethrography for the diagnosis of female urethral diverticulum (UD) by comparing results of contrast-enhanced ultrasound images and surgical findings.

Methods

A total of 14 female UD patients underwent preoperative transvaginal contrast-enhanced sonourethrography between July 2010 and June 2012. History and physical examination were initially assessed by the same urologist. Transvaginal contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging was performed and interpreted by the same ultrasonographer. Definite diagnosis was made by tracking the flow of the microbubbles into the cyst. Additionally, sagittal, cross-sectional, and dynamic images were obtained, and color Doppler ultrasound was applied in all cases. Data on the size, location, configuration, and opening of the UD was documented, and then compared with the surgical findings.

Results

The most common symptoms presenting in the UD patients included urinary incontinence (71.5 %), recurrent urinary tract infection (57.1 %), frequency (50 %), urgency (35.7 %), dysuria (35.7 %), and dyspareunia (21.4 %). On physical examination, 8 out of 14 patients (57.1 %) had a palpable anterior vaginal wall mass, while 6 out of 14 patients (42.9 %) had no palpable mass. Transvaginal contrast-enhanced sonourethrography revealed 17 diverticula orifices in total and correlated well with surgical findings regarding the size, location, configuration, and the opening of the UD.

Conclusions

In patients with chronic irritative bladder symptoms, but with no response to conventional treatment a high index of suspicion for UD should be maintained. Our study demonstrates that transvaginal contrast-enhanced sonourethrography is a useful tool for defining the size, location, configuration, and opening of the UD before surgery.     

优质护理对婴幼儿雾化吸入治疗依从性及满意度的影响

目的 探讨优质护理对婴幼儿雾化吸入治疗依从性及家长满意度的影响.方法 将1206例雾化吸入治疗惠儿按时间段分为对照组(531例)和观察组(675例).对照组给予常规护理和健康教育;观察组在此基础上优化雾化室环境,改良雾化吸入治疗方式(诱导式治疗、吸入式治疗、睡眠式治疗),采取预约服务.结果 观察组雾化吸入治疗依从性和家长满意度显著优于对照组(均P＜0.01).结论 优质护理可增加婴幼儿在雾化吸入治疗中的舒适度,提高患儿治疗依从性,提高患儿家长的满意度.     

The effectiveness of the TAX 327 nomogram in predicting overall survival in Chinese patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer

Based on the results of TAX 327, a nomogram was developed to predict the overall survival of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer （mCRPC） after first-line chemotherapy. The nomogram, however, has not been validated in an independent dataset, especially in a series out of clinical trials. Thus, the objective of the current study was to validate the TAX 327 nomogram in a community setting in China. A total of 146 patients with mCRPC who received first-line chemotherapy （docetaxel or mitoxantrone） were identified. Because clinical trials are limited in mainland China, those patients did not receive investigational treatment after the failure of first-line chemotherapy. The predicted overall survival rate was calculated from the TAX 327 nomogram. The validity of the model was assessed with discrimination, calibration and decision curve analysis. The median survival of the cohort was 21 months （docetaxel） and 19 months （mitoxantrone） at last follow-up. The predictive c-index of the TAX 327 nomogram was 0.66 （95% CI： 0.54-0.70）. The calibration plot demonstrated that the 2-year survival rate was underestimated by the nomogram. Decision curve analysis showed a net benefit of the nomogram at a threshold probability greater than 30%. In conclusion, the present validation study did not confirm the predictive value of the TAX 327 nomogram in a contemporary community series of men in China, and further studies with a large sample size to develop or validate nomograms for predicting survival and selecting therapies in advanced prostate cancer are necessary.     

Comparative proteomic study between human normal motility sperm and idiopathic asthenozoospermia

Purpose

Idiopathic asthenozoospermia is considered as one of the causes of male infertility and characterized by reduced sperm motility. For a better determination of pathogenic mechanism of asthenozoospermia, the exploration of differentially expressed proteins in normal sperm motility and idiopathic asthenozoospermia was conducted in our study.

Methods

Sperm proteins were extracted and isolated by two-dimensional electrophoresis. All significantly changed protein spots were picked up from 2D gels and identified by tandem mass spectrometry. Sixteen of the thirty-three total differentially expressed protein spots were successfully identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry.

Results

Sixteen proteins identified belonged to 15 unique protein groups. GRP78, lactoferrin, SPANXB, PGK2, flagellin, DJ-1, XPA binding protein 2, CAB2, GPX4, and GAPDH were the first to be identified as differentially expressed proteins in idiopathic asthenospermia patients. Meanwhile, the analysis of quantitative RT-PCR was carried out to compare the protein levels, and the results indicated that the expression levels of the gene and protein were not entirely consistent.

Conclusions

These experimental results expand the scope of the protein database, generating targets for further investigation of the pathogenic mechanism of idiopathic asthenozoospermia.     

Mid-term results of Bernese periacetabular osteotomy for developmental dysplasia of hip in middle aged patients

Purpose

To address the question, compared to having hip replacement with latent revision, does Bernese periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) before primary hip replacement occupy a preferable treatment strategy for middle aged (aged 35–54 years) hip dysplasia patients? We assessed the mid-term functional outcome and survivorship of PAO in those patients.

Methods

Forty-one hips in 36 patients at middle age at the time of surgery (mean age, 39.5 years; range, 35–47 years) were retrospectively identified out of a total PAO cohort of 315 patients. Eleven of the 41 PAO hips also underwent osteochondroplasty at the femoral head-neck junction. Radiographic parameters of lateral centre edge angle, anterior centre edge angle and hip joint medialisation were investigated using the Harris Hip Score (HHS).

Results

The average follow-up was 5.1 years (range, two to ten years). Radiographic parameters postoperatively improved into the normal range, whereas no progression was found from preoperative Tonnis osteoarthritis score. Forty hips survived at the last follow-up, with HHS Score improved from 63.7 to 88.4. Compared to the sole PAO group, both postoperative alpha angle and range of joint motion improved in the PAO combined with osteochondroplasty group. However, no difference in HHS score was found.

Conclusions

Good survivorship and improved joint function were identified in middle-aged Chinese patients following PAO with or without osteochondroplasty. We prudently suggest PAO as an alternative strategy for treating DDH in those patients.     

Patient Factors Predict Functional Outcomes After Cruciate Retaining TKA : A 2-Year Follow-Up Analysis

We analyzed preoperative patient characteristics and postoperative functional outcomes to identify the most predictive preoperative characteristics of postoperative functional outcome for Cruciate Retaining (CR) TKA. In a prospective, multicenter study, 307 knees with minimum 2-year follow-up were first divided into groups based on 2-year functional performance. Logistic regression then determined SF-36 General Health Score (GHS) to be the most predictive preoperative patient characteristic. Subsequently, a second analysis was performed using preoperative SF-36 GHS to stratify patients into groups. Statistical significance was achieved in both analyses by gender, BMI and hypertension. Statistical significance was achieved in a single analysis by age, preoperative narcotic use, preoperative metabolic medication usage, preoperative pulmonary disease and preoperative use of medication for anxiety or depression.     

Clinical value of surveillance pouchoscopy in asymptomatic ileal pouch patients with underlying inflammatory bowel disease

Background

There is no consensus on the need for and the interval of surveillance pouchoscopy in asymptomatic ileal pouch patients with underlying ulcerative colitis (UC). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the likelihood of finding dysplasia or incidental ileal pouch disorders in asymptomatic patients undergoing surveillance pouchoscopy.

Methods

This study included all eligible consecutive asymptomatic UC patients undergoing surveillance pouchoscopy to our subspecialty Pouchitis Clinic from 2002 to 2011. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed.

Results

A total of 138 patients met the inclusion criteria, with 72 (52.2 %) being male. The mean age at pouch construction was 45.4 ± 15.0 years, and the mean interval from ileostomy closure to the inception of first surveillance pouchoscopy was 89.4 ± 78.8 months. One patient was found to have indefinite for dysplasia on pouch body mucosal biopsy (0.7 %), and two patients had non-caseating granulomas, suggesting Crohn’s disease (CD) of the pouch. Of the 138 patients, 69 (50 %) had abnormal endoscopic findings, 102 (73.9 %) had acute and/or chronic inflammation on histology, and 62 (44.9 %) had both abnormal endoscopy and histology. The abnormal endoscopic findings included isolated pouch ulcer (n = 29, 21 %), active pouchitis (n = 31, 22.5 %), inflammatory polyps (n = 10, 7.2 %), strictures at the anastomosis (n = 5, 3.6 %), inlet (n = 10, 7.2 %) or outlet (n = 2, 1.4 %). Thirteen patients (13/17, 76.5 %) with pouch strictures underwent endoscopic balloon dilatation therapy and nine had (9/10, 90 %) endoscopic polypectomy. Multivariable analysis showed that patients with a preoperative diagnosis of CD and concomitant extraintestinal manifestations had a higher risk for abnormal pouch endoscopic findings with odds ratios of 2.552 (95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.108–16.545, p = 0.035) and 4.281 (95 % CI 1.204–5.409, p = 0.014), respectively.

Conclusions

Dysplasia was rare in asymptomatic patients with restorative proctocolectomy who underwent surveillance pouchoscopy in this cross-sectional study. However, “incidental” abnormal endoscopic and/or histologic findings were common, which often needed endoscopic therapeutic intervention.     

Predictive Factors of Lymph Node Status in Small Peripheral Non-small Cell Lung Cancers: Tumor Histology is More Reliable

Background

During the past two decades, many studies have sought to find reliable predictors of N0 status in small-sized lung cancers. However, the way of tumor size measurement was usually not clearly stated, and controversy remains as to whether systematic lymph node dissection should be performed in patients with subcentimeter tumors.

Methods

We reviewed correlations between lymph node involvement and clinicopathological variables in 243 small peripheral non-small cell lung cancers with their size measured in fresh specimens before formalin fixation. Histologic subtypes of adenocarcinomas were classified in line with the new International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC)/American Thoracic Society (ATS)/European Respiratory Society (ERS) lung adenocarcinoma classification.

Results

Incidence of N1 and N2 nodal involvement was 5.3 and 6.6 %, respectively. N2 disease was present in a proportion of subcentimeter tumors (2/53, 3.8 %). No lymph node metastasis was revealed in squamous cell carcinomas, adenocarcinoma in situ, minimally invasive adenocarcinoma, lepidic predominant adenocarcinoma, or invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma. Collectively, the five cell types accounted for 34.6 % of all the small peripheral cases.

Conclusions

Precise measurement of tumor size in fresh tissues revealed that tumor size was not a reliable predictor of N0 status. However, through histologic classification, systematic lymph node dissection might be avoided in more than one third of small peripheral NSCLC.