Formation and Properties of Organic Long Persistent Luminescence Crystals Containing Benzidine Derivatives by Melt Crystallization

Organic molecules that exhibit long persistent luminescence (LPL) are rapidly gaining attention for a variety of applications. In this study, organic molecules with simple structures were selected and organic long persistent luminescence (OLPL) crystals were prepared. The crystal structure of the prepared OLPL crystal was elucidated and the guideline for the design of OLPL crystal was clarified. LPL was observed in OLPL crystals prepared with TMB as the guest molecule and 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane as the host molecule. XRD measurements of the OLPL crystals suggest that the guest molecule is a solid solution substituted in the stable crystal structure of the host molecule in a lattice-shrinking direction.

Preparation of Expanded Graphite-based Composites by One Step Impregnation

A new method for preparing expanded graphite-based composites （EGCs） was developed.The obtained samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy （SEM）,transmission electron microscope （TEM） and nitrogen adsorption.The experimental results indicated that the EGCs was not simply mechanical mixture of EG and activated carbon,instead the activated carbon was coated on the surface of interior and external pores of the EG in the form of thin carbon layer.The thickness of the activated carbon layer was nearly one hundred nanometers by calculation.It was shown that the higher the impregnation ratio and the activation temperature were,the easier the porosity development would be.And the BET surface area and the total pore volume were as high as 1978 m2/g and 0.9917 cm3/g respectively at 350℃ with an impregnation ratio of 0.9.

Adsorption of CO_(2) on MgAl layered double hydroxides: Effect of intercalated anion and alkaline etching time

The adsorption of CO_(2) on MgAl layered double hydroxides(MgAl-LDHs) based adsorbents has been an effective way to capture CO_(2),however the adsorption capacity was hampered due to the pore structure and the dispersibility of adsorption active sites.To address the problem,we investigate the effect of intercalated anion and alkaline etching time on the structure,morphology and CO_(2) uptake performances of MgAl-LDHs.MgAl-LDHs are synthesized by the onepot hydrothermal method,followed by alkaline etching of NaOH,and characterized by x-ray diffraction,N_(2) adsorption,scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.The CO_(2) adsorption tests of the samples are performed on a thermogravimetric analyzer,and the adsorption data are fitted by the first-order,pseudo-second-order and Elovich models,respectively.The results demonstrate that among the three intercalated samples,MgAl(Cl) using chloride salts as precursors possesses the highest adsorption capacity of CO_(2),owing to high crystallinity and porous structure,while MgAl(Ac) employing acetate salts as precursors displays the lowest CO_(2) uptake because of poor crystallinity,disorderly stacked structure and unsatisfactory pore structure.With regard to alkaline etching,the surface of the treated MgAl(Cl) is partly corroded,thus the specific surface area and pore volume increase,which is conducive to the exposure of adsorption active sites.Correspondingly,the adsorption performance of the alkaline-etched adsorbents is significantly improved,and MgAl(Cl)-6 has the highest CO_(2) uptake.With the alkaline etching time further increasing,the CO_(2) adsorption capacity of MgAl(Cl)-9 sharply decreases,mainly due to the collapse of pore structure and the fragmentized sheet-structure.Hence,the CO_(2) adsorption performance is greatly influenced by alkaline etching time,and appropriate alkaline etching time can facilitate the contact between CO_(2) molecules and the adsorbent.

Complicated course of biliary inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor mimicking hilar cholangiocarcinoma:A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND The inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor(IMT)is a rare,idiopathic,usually benign,mass-forming disease with myofibroblastic proliferation and a varying amount of inflammatory cells.Although it can affect various organs,the biliary tract is a rare localization of primary IMT,clinically,endoscopically and radiologically imitating cholangiocarcinoma.The treatment options are based only on clinical practice experience.CASE SUMMARY A 70-year-old woman was referred to our center due to progressive fatigue,weight loss,abdominal pain,night sweats,and elevated liver enzymes.Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)revealed proximal common hepatic duct and hilar biliary strictures extending bilaterally to lobular bile ducts.Although initial clinical,endoscopic and radiological signs were typical for hilar cholangiocarcinoma,histological examination showed no signs of malignancy.In total,8 biopsies using different approaches were performed(several biopsies from dominant stricture during ERCP and direct cholangioscopy;ultrasound-guided liver biopsy;diagnostic laparoscopy with liver and lymph node biopsies).Histological examination revealed signs of IMT,and the final diagnosis of biliary IMT was stated.Although IMT is usually a benign disease,in our case,it was complicated.All pharmacological treatment measures were ineffective.The patient still needs permanent stenting,suffers from recurrent infections and mechanical jaundice.Despite that,the patient already survived 24 mo.CONCLUSION IMT presenting with hilar biliary strictures is a unique diagnostic and clinical challenge as it is indistinguishable from cholangiocarcinoma,and there are no evidence-based treatment options.Our goal is to increase the understanding of this rare disease and its possible course.

Control of Crystal Size and Morphology of Calcium Carbonate Crystal Polymorphism

Calcium carbonate, the main component of lime, has been widely used in industry due to its stability and economy. Calcium carbonate has three types of crystalline polymorphism, calcite, aragonite and vaterite, each with different properties. Therefore, the control of crystal polymorphism is required for industrial applications. In addition, the control of crystal size and shape is similarly required for different applications. In this study, the effect of SrCO3 on the size control of fine aragonite-type calcium carbonate crystals by uniform urea precipitation and the effect of SrCO3 addition was investigated by adding solid strontium carbonate and dissolved strontium carbonate. The addition of solid strontium carbonate affected the crystal polymorphism and size of the calcium carbonate produced, depending on the properties of the solid particles and the amount of SrCO3 added. Experiments on the addition of dissolved SrCO3 showed that the supersaturation formation rate could be controlled to control the crystal polymorphism.

Menstrual cycle abnormalities in women with inflammatory bowel disease and effects of biological therapy on gynecological pathology

Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)is a chronic condition that affects young individuals in their reproductive years.It may have long-term implications on their reproductive,sexual,and mental health.IBD has been related to menstrual abnormalities.Furthermore,the administration of biological therapy can also result in gynecological issues in addition to the disease itself.The purpose of this review was to present potential menstrual cycle problems in patients with IBD,as well as the impact of adalimumab and other anti-tumor necrosis factor medications on gynecological pathology.

Experimental Evidence of Reversible Crystalline State Transformation of 2,2':6',2"-Terpyridine: Visualization and Seed Effect

We have succeeded in causing reversible polymorphic transformation of 2,2':6',2"-terpyridine (terpy). By contacting a template terpy crystal with the target crystal, reversible orthorhombic-to-monoclinic transformation occurred directly without via melting state. The transformation process is successfully visualized and it is found that the template crystal influences the transition temperature itself.

Study of the Incorporation Behavior of L-Leu and D-Leu in L-Val Crystallization

Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) are essential amino acids mainly produced through fermentation. With respect to BCAA crystallization, the incorporation behavior of L-form BCAAs as a guest amino acid in the crystallization of L-form BCAAs is well known. However, the incorporation behavior of D-form BCAAs as a guest amino acid in the crystallization of L-form BCAAs is not clear. In this study, we focused on the crystal conformation and incorporation behavior of D-Leucine (D-Leu) and L-leucine (L-Leu) in the crystallization of L-valine (L-Val). Moreover, the difference in the incorporation behavior was investigated on the basis of the distribution ratio of crystals to mother liquor, and the crystal structure and interaction energy were calculated using a molecular dynamics method. The crystal composed of L-Leu in L-Val formed as a solid solution and L-Leu was substituted into the crystal lattice of L-Val. In the case where D-Leu was added as a guest amino acid during L-Val crystallization, D-Leu was not incorporated into the L-Vallattice because the interaction energy between a D-Leu molecule and the L-Val crystal lattice was substantially greater than that between an L-Leu molecule and the L-Val crystal lattice.

Cu(II) Complex of L-Leucine Favor a Different Type of Crystal Structure from Cu(II)-L-Val and Cu(II)-L-Ile

Crystallization behavior of Cu(II) complexes of branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) has been studied. Mixing of Cu(II) and L-leucine in solution caused immediate precipitation of Cu(II)-L-Leu complex, while no precipitants were obtained when L-Val or L-Ile were used as ligands. These results are discussed based on structure differences among the precipitants.

Coalbed methane adsorption and desorption characteristics related to coal particle size

Effects of particle size on CH4 and CO2adsorption and desorption characteristics of coals are investigated at 308 K and pressures up to 5.0 MPa.The gas adsorption and desorption isotherms of coals with particle sizes ranging from 250 μm to 840 μm are measured via the volumetric method,and the Langmuir model is used to analyse the experimental results.Coal particle size is found to have an obvious effect on the coal pore structure.With the decrease of coal particle size in the process of grinding,the pore accessibility of the coal,including the specific surface area and pore volume,increases.Hence,coal with smaller particle size has higher specific surface area and higher pore volume.The ability of adsorption was highly related to the pore structure of coal,and coal particle size has a significant influence on coal adsorption/desorption characteristics,including adsorption capacity and desorption hysteresis for CH4 and CO2,i.e.,coal with a smaller particle size achieves higher adsorption capacity,while the sample with a larger particle size has lower adsorption capacity.Further,coal with larger particle size is also found to have relatively large desorption hysteresis.In addition,dynamic adsorption performances of the samples are carried out at 298 K and at pressures of 0.1 MPa and 0.5 MPa,respectively,and the results indicate that with the increase of particle size,the difference between CO2 and CH4adsorption capacities of the samples decreases.

Liver cirrhosis and left ventricle diastolic dysfunction: Systematic review

BACKGROUND Liver cirrhosis is a chronic hepatic disease which is associated with cardiovascular abnormalities.Hyperdynamic circulation in liver cirrhosis causes functional and structural cardiac alterations.The prevalence of left ventricle diastolic dysfunction(LVDD)in cirrhotic patients ranges from 25.7%to as high as 81.4%as reported in different studies.In several studies the severity of diastolic dysfunction(DD)correlated with a degree of liver failure and the rate of dysfunction was higher in patients with decompensated cirrhosis compared with compensated.Future directions of comprehensive assessment of cardiac function in cirrhotic patients might provide a better prognosis for these patients.AIM To clarify the correlation between the severity of liver cirrhosis and left ventricle diastolic dysfunction in the existing literature.METHODS Through January and February of 2019 at Vilnius University we conducted a systematic review of the global existing literature on the prevalence of left ventricle diastolic dysfunction in patients with liver cirrhosis.We searched for articles in PubMed,Medline and Web of science databases.Articles were selected by using adequate inclusion and exclusion criteria.Our interest was the outcome of likely correlation between the severity of cirrhosis[evaluated by Child-Pugh classes,Model For End-Stage Liver Disease(MELD)scores]and left ventricle diastolic dysfunction[classified according to American Society of Echocardiography(ASE)guidelines(2009,2016)],as well as relative risk of dysfunction in cirrhotic patients.Subgroup analyses were performed to evaluate the ratio and grades of left ventricle diastolic dysfunction with respect to cirrhosis severity.RESULTS A total of 1149 articles and abstracts met the initial search criteria.Sixteen articles which met the predefined eligibility criteria were included in the final analysis.Overall,1067 patients(out of them 723 men)with liver cirrhosis were evaluated for left ventricle diastolic dysfunction.In our systemic analysis we have found that 51.2%of cirrhotic patients had left ventricle diastolic dysfunction diagnosed and the grade 1 was the most prevalent(59.2%,P<0.001)among them,the grade 3 had been rarely diagnosed-only 5.1%.The data about the prevalence of diastolic dysfunction in cirrhotic patients depending on Child-Pugh Classes was available from 5 studies(365 patients overall)and only in 1 research diastolic dysfunction was found being associated with severity of liver cirrhosis(P<0.005).We established that diastolic dysfunction was diagnosed in 44.6%of Child-Pugh A class patients,in 62%of Child B class and in 63.3%of Child C patients(P=0.028).The proportion of patients with higher diastolic dysfunction grades increases in more severe cirrhosis presentation(P<0.001).There was no difference between mean MELD scores in patients with and without diastolic dysfunction and in different diastolic dysfunction groups.In all studies diastolic dysfunction was more frequent in patients with ascites.CONCLUSION This systemic analysis suggests that left ventricle diastolic dysfunction is an attribute of liver cirrhosis which has not received sufficient attention from clinicians so far.Future suggestions of a comprehensive assessment of cardiac function in cirrhotic patients might provide a better prognosis for these patients and give hint for better understanding of the left ventricle diastolic dysfunction pathogenesis in liver cirrhosis.

Antibiotic resistance in patients with liver cirrhosis:Prevalence and current approach to tackle

Regardless of etiology,complications with bacterial infection in patients with cirrhosis are reported in the range of 25%-46%according to the most recent data.Due to frequent episodes of bacterial infection and repetitive antibiotic treatment,most often with broad-spectrum gram negative coverage,patients with cirrhosis are at increased risk of encountering multidrug resistant bacteria,and this raises concern.In such patients,extended-spectrum beta-lactamase and AmpCproducing Enterobacterales,methicillin-or vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus,vancomycin-resistant Enterococci,carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa,and Acinetobacter baumannii,all of which are difficult to treat,are the most common.That is why novel approaches to the prophylaxis and treatment of bacterial infections to avoid antibiotic resistance have recently been developed.At the same time,our knowledge of resistance mechanisms is constantly updated.This review summarizes the current situation regarding the burden of antibiotic resistance,including the prevalence and mechanisms of intrinsic and acquired resistance in bacterial species that most frequently cause complications in patients with liver cirrhosis and recent developments on how to deal with multidrug resistant bacteria.

Effects of COVID-19 on the liver:The experience of a single center

BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)was perhaps the most severe global health crisis in living memory.Alongside respiratory symptoms,elevated liver enzymes,abnormal liver function,and even acute liver failure were reported in patients suffering from severe acute respiratory disease coronavirus 2 pneumonia.However,the precise triggers of these forms of liver damage and how they affect the course and outcomes of COVID-19 itself remain unclear.AIM To analyze the impact of liver enzyme abnormalities on the severity and outcomes of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients.METHODS In this study,684 depersonalized medical records from patients hospitalized with COVID-19 during the 2020-2021 period were analyzed.COVID-19 was diagnosed according to the guidelines of the National Institutes of Health(2021).Patients were assigned to two groups:those with elevated liver enzymes(Group 1:603 patients),where at least one out of four liver enzymes were elevated(following the norm of hospital laboratory tests:alanine aminotransferase(ALT)≥40,aspartate aminotransferase(AST)≥40,gamma-glutamyl transferase≥36,or alkaline phosphatase≥150)at any point of hospitalization,from admission to discharge;and the control group(Group 2:81 patients),with normal liver enzymes during hospitalization.COVID-19 severity was assessed according to the interim World Health Organization guidance(2022).Data on viral pneumonia complications,laboratory tests,and underlying diseases were also collected and analyzed.RESULTS In total,603(88.2%)patients produced abnormal liver test results.ALT and AST levels were elevated by a factor of less than 3 in 54.9%and 74.8%of cases with increased enzyme levels,respectively.Patients in Group 1 had almost double the chance of bacterial viral pneumonia complications[odds ratio(OR)=1.73,P=0.0217],required oxygen supply more often,and displayed higher biochemical inflammation indices than those in Group 2.No differences in other COVID-19 complications or underlying diseases were observed between groups.Preexisting hepatitis of a different etiology was rarely documented(in only 3.5%of patients),and had no impact on the severity of COVID-19.Only 5(0.73%)patients experienced acute liver failure,4 of whom died.Overall,the majority of the deceased patients(17 out of 20)had elevated liver enzymes,and most were male.All deceased patients had at least one underlying disease or combination thereof,and the deceased suffered significantly more often from heart diseases,hypertension,and urinary tract infections than those who made recoveries.Alongside male gender(OR=1.72,P=0.0161)and older age(OR=1.02,P=0.0234),diabetes(OR=3.22,P=0.0016)and hyperlipidemia(OR=2.67,P=0.0238),but not obesity,were confirmed as independent factors associated with more a severe COVID-19 infection in our cohort.CONCLUSION In our study,the presence of liver impairment allows us to predict a more severe inflammation with a higher risk of bacterial complication and worse outcomes of COVID-19.Therefore,patients with severe disease forms should have their liver tests monitored regularly and their results should be considered when selecting treatment to avoid further liver damage or even insufficiency.

Management of Flood syndrome:What can we do better?

Approximately 20%of cirrhotic patients with ascites develop umbilical herniation.These patients usually suffer from multisystemic complications of cirrhosis,have a significantly higher risk of infection,and require accurate surveillance–especially in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.The rupture of an umbilical hernia,is an uncommon,life-threatening complication of largevolume ascites and end-stage liver disease resulting in spontaneous paracentesis,also known as Flood syndrome.Flood syndrome remains a challenging condition for clinicians,as recommendations for its management are lacking,and the available evidence for the best treatment approach remains controversial.In this paper,four key questions are addressed regarding the management and prevention of Flood syndrome:(1)Which is the best treatment approach–conservative treatment or urgent surgery?(2)How can we establish the individual risk for herniation and possible hernia rupture in cirrhotic patients?(3)How can we prevent umbilical hernia ruptures?And(4)How can we manage these patients in the conditions created by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic?

Multi-organ IgG4-related disease continues to mislead clinicians: A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND Immunoglobulin G4-related disease(IgG4-RD)is a multisystemic mass forming immune-mediated disease that affects almost every organ and is a diagnostic challenge for every clinician.There is a lack of adequate epidemiological data worldwide,and evidence-based treatment recommendations are not yet established.We report the first case of IgG4-RD from Lithuania and the Baltic Sea region presented with thyroiditis,orbital myositis,orbitopathy,uveitis,scleritis,sialadenitis,autoimmune pancreatitis and prostatitis.CASE SUMMARY A 54-year-old Caucasian male was admitted to our tertiary Centre complaining of severe weight loss,diarrhoea,abdominal pain,salivary gland swelling,sicca symptoms and diplopia.On examination,bilateral palpable masses in the projection of major salivary glands,severe protrusion of the left eyeball and cachexia were noted.The patient was previously diagnosed with autoimmune thyroiditis and endocrine ophthalmopathy.The magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)of the head revealed enlarged extraocular muscles indicating orbital myositis.The biopsy from the salivary gland mass indicated sialadenitis.Abdominal MRI showed signs of autoimmune pancreatitis,and a serological test revealed the elevated serum IgG4 concentration.The patient was then diagnosed with IgG4-RD and successfully treated with prednisolone.There was a significant clinical,serological and radiological improvement after one month of treatment and no signs of relapse within twenty months.However,it took almost 18 years and the efforts of eight different medical specialists to establish the correct diagnosis.CONCLUSION A comprehensive approach to the patient is essential to improving the recognition of rare immune system conditions,such as IgG4-RD.

Pre-Operational Analysis of a Prototype Downdraft Gasifier Fueled by Bamboo

Biomass gasification is a thermochemical conversion process that dates back to the 19th century. Nevertheless, designing and operating a gasifier system is not an easy task. Every biomass feedstock has different characteristics and the gasifier needs to be designed according to those qualities. Hence, many laboratory analyses on bamboo were carried out for this study. This study also concentrates on finding the best possible process variables for a bamboo fueled downdraft gasifier through a sensitivity analysis. A software program called Thermoflex was used for this purpose and the effect of gasifier temperature, air-fuel-ratio, moisture content of the fuel and temperature of pre-heated air on the syngas composition were simulated. The results show that bamboo is a decent gasification feedstock because of its low ash and sulfur content and satisfactory energy value. The simulations reveal that the best gas quality is obtained with the gasifier temperature between 700℃ and 800℃, A/F-ratio of 1.25 - 1.75 and dry basis moisture content between 10% and 15%.

Luminescent Characteristic of Organic Compound-Containing Inorganic Crystal at Room Temperature

The luminescent functional crystal was produced by the organic guest molecules conformation control in the inorganic host crystal matrix. Inorganic host-organic guest crystals were successfully prepared and luminescence spectra were investigated. These crystals had a phosphorescent property in room temperature by 254 nm UV irradiation. In this system, the potassium sulfate host matrix was effectively inhibited the molecular vibration of organic guest molecules by interaction between K+ and π-electrons. In addition, control of the luminescence wavelength (both fluorescence and phosphorescence) was achieved by controlling the structure of organic molecules which were taken in anorganic compound-containing inorganic crystal. Specifically, theorganic compound-containing inorganic crystals with 2-aminobenzenesulfonic acid and 2-naptylamine-1-sulfonic acid as a guest had a phosphorescence band of 455 nm and 510 nm, respectively.

Morphological Change of Cocrystal Bis(8-Quinolinolato) Copper(II): 7,7,8,8-Tetracyanoquinodimethane Polymorphism

We studied cocrystal of bis(8-quinolinolato) copper(II) (CuQ2) and 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ), which change dramatically crystal shape in a moment by adding press on crystal face. Single crystal was prepared by dissolving CuQ2 and TCNQ in chloroform by evaporation of the solution at ambient conditions. We investigated about crystal structure and morphological change properties. We proclaim that this phenomenon is solid phase transition to Form I from Form II, it is caused by pressure on the crystal face (001) of Form II and the crystal expansion direction is the side face (100). We take note of the common structure between polymorph and explain that this transition occurs by the structure like dominoes falling. We obtained a correlation between molecular level structure change and macroscopic shape changes.

Multi-Color Photoluminescence of Terpyridine Crystals

New type of photoluminescence properties of 2,2’:6’,2”-Terpyridine (Terpy) is described. Orthorhombic form of Terpy crystals, which is known to be inherently nonluminous in the visible region, was found to emit strong green light in the presence of traces amount of impurities. Hydroxy-terpyridine, originally included in the Terpy reagent, was found to be the main cause of the green luminescence. Tuning of the luminescent color is possible depending on the dopant species.

Enabling Solution Growth of Insoluble Organic Materials in Common Solvents

Copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) amorphous film was successfully deposited on a silicone substrate by physical vapor deposition. When the film was in contact with a common solvent such as aniline, 1-propanol and toluene, the CuPc solid film was partially dissolved followed by nucleation and crystal growth in the solution. Based on these experimental results, we propose a novel method for preparation of the organic thin film by combination of dry and wet processes.