Ferromagnetism in High-Surface-Area ZnO Nanosheets Prepared by a Template-Assisted Hydrothermal Method

High-surface-area ZnO nanosheets are prepared using a template-assisted hydrothermal method.A saturation moment as high as 0.02 emu/g is obtained for the ZnO nanosheets.Both photoluminescence spectroscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy demonstrate the existence of abundant oxygen vacancies on the surfaces of the nanosheets.In addition,the oxygen vacancy concentration increases with an increasing nanosheet surface area.The results show that the origin of the room-temperature ferromagnetism is closely related with a large surface area and oxygen vacancies of the nanosheets.This finding suggests that the high-surface-area ZnO nanosheets are promising to be applied to spintronic devices.

Two Novel Mutations in FECH in a Patient With Erythropoietic Protoporphyria:A Case Report

Introduction:Erythropoietic protoporphyria(EPP)is a rare photodermatosis mainly caused by deficiency of the enzyme ferrochelatase(FECH).We herein report a case of EPP associated with 2 novel mutations in FECH.Case presentation:A 15-year-old boy experienced pain and pruritus after sunlight exposure.He had occasional claret-red urine,hepatomegaly with increased alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels,and an elevated free erythrocyte protoporphyrin level.He was treated with oralβ-carotene and cholestyramine and avoidance of sunlight as much as possible.Discussion:Genome sequencing revealed 2 novel FECH mutations that had been inherited from his healthy parents.Pathogenicity analysis involving prediction using PolyPhen-2,SIFT,and Mutation Taster revealed that the 2 novel mutations were likely pathogenic.Although the patient’s parents were healthy,they each had one of these 2 mutations.This finding is consistent with previous reports stating that individuals carrying low-expression alleles can be asymptomatic.The pathogenesis of the disease caused by these 2 mutations requires verification by larger and more detailed studies.Conclusion:Although the precise role of these mutations in EPP is not clear,the findings in the present case expand the genotypic spectrum of the disease.

Toxic Shock Syndrome Due to Streptococcus pyogenes Presenting with Purpura Fulminans inan Older Adult

Introduction Purpura fulminans(PF)was first described in 18861 and is characterized as a rare syndrome with a rapidly progressive course of hemorrhagic infarction of the skin and soft tissue necrosis.It mainly occurs in children and rarely in adults.1 PF is a life-threatening disease that can be a clinical presentation of toxic shock syndrome(TSS).2 The most common infectious etiology is cocci,and routine use of antibiotics for this disease is well recognized.However,another etiology,influenza virus,is often neglected.We herein report a case involving an older patient with TSS presenting with PF,in which Streptococcus pyogenes(S.pyogenes)accompanied by influenza virus might have played an important role,in order to arise the attention of clinician to the infection of the influenza virus in the pathogenesis of TSS.