The coupling control of biological precursors and environmental factors onβ-carotane enrichment in alkaline lacustrine source rocks:A case study from the Fengcheng formation in the western Junggar Basin,NW China

The organic-rich mudstones and dolostones of the Permian Fengcheng Formation(Fm.)are typically alkaline lacustrine source rocks,which are typified by impressively abundantβ-carotane.Abundant β-carotane has been well acknowledged as an effective indicator of biological sources or depositional environments.However,the specific biological sources of β-carotane and the coupling control of biological sources and environmental factors on the enrichment of β-carotane in the Fengcheng Fm.remains obscure.Based on a comprehensive investigation of the bulk,molecular geochemistry,and organic petrology of sedimentary rocks and the biochemistry of phytoplankton in modern alkaline lakes,we proposed a new understanding of the biological precursors of β-carotane and elucidated the enrichment mechanism of β-carotane in the Fengcheng Fm.The results show that the biological precursors crucially control the enrichment of β-carotane in the Fengcheng Fm.The haloalkaliphilic cyanobacteria are the primary biological sources of β-carotane,which is suggested by a good positive correlation between the 2-methylhopane index,7-+8-methyl heptadecanes/C_(max),C_(29%),and β-carotane/C_(max)in sedimentary rocks and the predominance of cyanobacteria with abundantβ-carotene in modern alkaline lakes.The enrichment of β-carotane requires the reducing condition,and the paleoredox state that affects the enrichment of β-carotane appears to have a threshold.The paleoclimate conditions do not considerably impact the enrichment of β-carotane,but they have some influence on the water's paleosalinity by affecting evaporation and precipitation.While it does not directly affect the enrichment of β-carotane in the Fengcheng Fm.,paleosalinity does have an impact on the cyanobacterial precursor supply and the preservation conditions.

Recent advances and future prospects on Ni_(3)S_(2)-Based electrocatalysts for efficient alkaline water electrolysis

Green hydrogen(H_(2))produced by renewable energy powered alkaline water electrolysis is a promising alternative to fossil fuels due to its high energy density with zero-carbon emissions.However,efficient and economic H_(2) production by alkaline water electrolysis is hindered by the sluggish hydrogen evolution reaction(HER)and oxygen evolution reaction(OER).Therefore,it is imperative to design and fabricate high-active and low-cost non-precious metal catalysts to improve the HER and OER performance,which affects the energy efficiency of alkaline water electrolysis.Ni_(3)S_(2) with the heazlewoodite structure is a potential electrocatalyst with near-metal conductivity due to the Ni–Ni metal network.Here,the review comprehensively presents the recent progress of Ni_(3)S_(2)-based electrocatalysts for alkaline water electrocatalysis.Herein,the HER and OER mechanisms,performance evaluation criteria,preparation methods,and strategies for performance improvement of Ni_(3)S_(2)-based electrocatalysts are discussed.The challenges and perspectives are also analyzed.

An efficient and mild recycling of waste melamine formaldehyde foams by alkaline hydrolysis

Melamine formaldehyde foam(MFF)generates many poisonous chemicals through the traditional recycling methods for organic resin wastes.Herein,a high MFF degradation ratio of ca.97 wt.%was achieved under the mild conditions(160℃)in a NaOH–H2O system with ammelide and ammeline as the main degradation products.The alkaline solvent had an obvious corrosion effect for MFF,as indicated by scanning electron microscopy(SEM).The reaction process and products distribution were studied by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR),X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS),and ^(13)C nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR).Besides,the MFF degradation products that have the similar chemical structures and bonding performances to those of melamine can be directly used as the raw material for synthesis of melamine urea-formaldehyde resins(MUFs).Moreover,the degradation system demonstrated here showed the high degradation efficiency after reusing for 7 times.The degradation process generated few harmful pollutants and no pre-or post-treatments were required,which proves its feasibility in the safe removal or recovery of waste MFF.

Maskless fabrication of quasi-omnidirectional V-groove solar cells using an alkaline solution-based method

Silicon passivated emitter and rear contact(PERC) solar cells with V-groove texture were fabricated using maskless alkaline solution etching with in-house developed additive. Compared with the traditional pyramid texture, the V-groove texture possesses superior effective minority carrier lifetime, enhanced p–n junction quality and better applied filling factor(FF). In addition, a V-groove texture can greatly reduce the shading area and edge damage of front Ag electrodes when the V-groove direction is parallel to the gridline electrodes. Due to these factors, the V-groove solar cells have a higher efficiency(21.78%) than pyramid solar cells(21.62%). Interestingly, external quantum efficiency(EQE) and reflectance of the V-groove solar cells exhibit a slight decrease when the incident light angle(θ) is increased from 0° to 75°, which confirms the excellent quasi omnidirectionality of the V-groove solar cells. The proposed V-groove solar cell design shows a 2.84% relative enhancement of energy output over traditional pyramid solar cells.

Surface Deposition of Ni(OH)_(2) and Lattice Distortion Induce the Electrochromic Performance Decay of NiO Films in Alkaline Electrolyte

NiO,an anodic electrochromic material,has applications in energy-saving windows,intelligent displays,and military camouflage.However,its electrochromic mechanism and reasons for its performance degradation in alkaline aqueous electrolytes are complex and poorly understood,making it challenging to improve NiO thin films.We studied the phases and electrochemical characteristics of NiO films in different states(initial,colored,bleached and after 8000 cycles)and identified three main reasons for performance degradation.First,Ni(OH)_(2)is generated during electrochromic cycling and deposited on the NiO film surface,gradually yielding a NiO@Ni(OH)_(2)core-shell structure,isolating the internal NiO film from the electrolyte,and preventing ion transfer.Second,the core-shell structure causes the mode of electrical conduction to change from first-to second-order conduction,reducing the efficiency of ion transfer to the surface Ni(OH)_(2)layer.Third,Ni(OH)_(2)and NiOOH,which have similar crystal structures but different b-axis lattice parameters,are formed during electrochromic cycling,and large volume changes in the unit cell reduce the structural stability of the thin film.Finally,we clarified the mechanism of electrochromic performance degradation of NiO films in alkaline aqueous electrolytes and provide a route to activation of NiO films,which will promote the development of electrochromic technology.

Optimization of Channel Structure of Alkaline Water Electrolyzer by Using an Expanded Mesh as a Bipolar Plate

Alkaline water electrolysis(AWE)is the most mature technology for hydrogen production by water electrolysis.Alkaline water electrolyzer consists of multiple electrolysis cells,and a single cell consists of a diaphragm,electrodes,bipolar plates and end plates,etc.The existing industrial bipolar plate channel is concave-convex structure,which is manufactured by complicated and high-cost mold punching.This structure still results in uneven electrolyte flow and low current density in the electrolytic cell,further increasing in energy consumption and cost of AWE.Thereby,in this article,the electrochemical and flow model is firstly constructed,based on the existing industrial concave and convex flow channel structure of bipolar plate,to study the current density,electrolyte flow and bubble distribution in the electrolysis cell.The reliability of the model was verified by comparison with experimental data in literature.Among which,the electrochemical current density affects the bubble yield,on the other hand,the generated bubbles cover the electrode surface,affecting the active specific surface area and ohmic resistance,which in turn affects the electrochemical reaction.The result indicates that the flow velocity near the bottom of the concave ball approaches zero,while the flow velocity on the convex ball surface is significantly higher.Additionally,vortices are observed within the flow channel structure,leading to an uneven distribution of electrolyte.Next,modelling is used to optimize the bipolar plate structure of AWE by simulating the electrochemistry and fluid flow performances of four kinds of structures,namely,concave and convex,rhombus,wedge and expanded mesh,in the bipolar plate of alkaline water electrolyzer.The results show that the expanded mesh channel structure has the largest current density of 3330 A/m^(2)and electrolyte flow velocity of 0.507 m/s in the electrolytic cell.Under the same current density,the electrolytic cell with the expanded mesh runner structure has the smallest potential and energy consumption.This work provides a useful guide for the comprehensive understanding and optimization of channel structures,and a theoretical basis for the design of large-scale electrolyzer.

A novel multi-channel porous structure facilitating mass transport towards highly efficient alkaline water electrolysis

An advantageous porous architecture of electrodes is pivotal in significantly enhancing alkaline water electrolysis(AWE)efficiency by optimizing the mass transport mechanisms.This effect becomes even more pronounced when aiming to achieve elevated current densities.Herein,we employed a rapid and scalable laser texturing process to craft novel multi-channel porous electrodes.Particularly,the obtained electrodes exhibit the lowest Tafel slope of 79 mV dec^(-1)(HER)and 49 mV dec^(-1)(OER).As anticipated,the alkaline electrolyzer(AEL)cell incorporating multi-channel porous electrodes(NP-LT30)exhibited a remarkable improvement in cell efficiency,with voltage drops(from 2.28 to 1.97 V)exceeding 300 mV under 1 A cm^(-1),compared to conventional perforated Ni plate electrodes.This enhancement mainly stemmed from the employed multi-channel porous structure,facilitating mass transport and bubble dynamics through an innovative convection mode,surpassing the traditional convection mode.Furthermore,the NP-LT30-based AEL cell demonstrated exceptional durability for 300 h under 1.0 A cm^(-2).This study underscores the capability of the novel multi-channel porous electrodes to expedite mass transport in practical AWE applications.

Influences of different alkaline and acidic diagenetic environments on diagenetic evolution and reservoir quality of alkaline lake shales

Thin section and argon-ion polishing scanning electron microscope observations were used to analyze the sedimentary and diagenetic environments and main diagenesis of the Permian Fengcheng Formation shales in different depositional zones of Mahu Sag in the Junggar Basin,and to reconstruct their differential diagenetic evolutional processes.The diagenetic environment of shales in the lake-central zone kept alkaline,which mainly underwent the early stage(Ro<0.5%)dominated by the authigenesis of Na-carbonates and K-feldspar and the late stage(Ro>0.5%)dominated by the replacement of Na-carbonates by reedmergnerite.The shales from the marginal zone underwent a transition from weak alkaline to acidic diagenetic environments,with the early stage dominated by the authigenesis of Mg-bearing clay and silica and the late stage dominated by the dissolution of feldspar and carbonate minerals.The shales from the transitional zone also underwent a transition from an early alkaline diagenetic environment,evidenced by the formation of dolomite and zeolite,to a late acidic diagenetic environment,represented by the reedmergnerite replacement and silicification of feldspar and carbonate minerals.The differences in formation of authigenic minerals during early diagenetic stage determine the fracability of shales.The differences in dissolution of minerals during late diagenetic stage control the content of free shale oil.Dolomitic shale in the transitional zone and siltstone in the marginal zone have relatively high content of free shale oil and strong fracability,and are favorable“sweet spots”for shale oil exploitation and development.

Analysis of alkaline phosphatase and γ-glutamyltransferase after radiofrequency ablation of primary liver cancer: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND Changes in alkaline phosphatase(ALP)andγ-glutamyltransferase(GGT)levels in patients with primary liver cancer(PLC)after radiofrequency ablation(RFA).Hepatocellular carcinoma is a malignant tumor with high incidence worldwide.As a common local treatment,RFA has attracted much attention for its efficacy and influence on liver function.AIM To investigate the effect of serum ALP and GGT levels on the prognosis of patients with PLC treated by RFA.METHODS The preoperative clinical data of 165 patients who were pathologically or clinically diagnosed with PLC and who received RFA in our hospital between October 2018 and June 2023 were collected.The chi-square test was used to compare the data between groups.The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression were used to analyze the associ-ations between serum ALP and GGT levels and overall survival,progression-free survival(PFS)and clinical characteristics of patients before treatment.RESULTS The 1-year survival rates of patients with normal(≤135 U/L)and abnormal(>135 U/L)serum ALP before treatment were 91%and 79%,respectively;the 2-year survival rates were 90%and 68%,respectively;and the 5-year survival rates were 35%and 18%,respectively.The difference between the two groups was statistically significant(P=0.01).Before treatment,the 1-year survival rates of patients with normal serum GGT levels(≤45 U/L)and abnormal serum GGT levels(>45 U/L)were 95%and 87%,the 2-year survival rates were 85%and 71%,and the 5-year survival rates were 37%and 21%,respectively.The difference between the two groups was statist-ically significant(P<0.001).Serum ALP[hazard ratio(HR)=1.766,95%confidence interval(95%CI):1.068-2.921,P=0.027]and GGT(HR=2.312,95%CI:1.367-3.912,P=0.002)is closely related to the overall survival of PLC patients after RF ablation and is an independent prognostic factor.The 1-year PFS rates were 72%and 50%,the 2-year PFS rates were 52%and 21%,and the 5-year PFS rates were 14%and 3%,respectively.The difference between the two groups was statistically significant(P<0001).The 1-year PFS rates were 81%and 56%in patients with normal and abnormal serum GGT levels before treatment,respectively;the 2-year PFS rates were 62%and 35%,respectively;and the 5-year PFS rates were 18%and 7%,respectively,with statistical significance between the two groups(P<0.001).The serum ALP concentration(HR=1.653,95%CI:1.001-2.729,P=0.049)and GGT(HR=1.949,95%CI:1.296-2.930,P=0.001)was closely associated with PFS after RFA in patients with PLC.The proportion of male patients with abnormal ALP levels is high,the Child-Pugh grade of liver function is poor,and the incidence of ascites is high.Among GGT-abnormal patients,the Child-Pugh grade of liver function was poor,the tumor stage was late,the proportion of patients with tumors≥5 cm was high,and the incidence of hepatic encephalopathy was high.CONCLUSION Serum ALP and GGT levels before treatment can be used to predict the prognosis of patients with PLC after RFA,and they have certain guiding significance for the long-term survival of patients with PLC after radiofrequency therapy.

Alkaline sphingomyelinase deficiency impairs intestinal mucosal barrier integrity and reduces antioxidant capacity in dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis

BACKGROUND Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the colon with an unknown etiology.Alkaline sphingomyelinase(alk-SMase)is specifically expressed by intestinal epithelial cells,and has been reported to play an anti-inflammatory role.However,the underlying mechanism is still unclear.AIM To explore the mechanism of alk-SMase anti-inflammatory effects on intestinal barrier function and oxidative stress in dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced colitis.METHODS Mice were administered 3%DSS drinking water,and disease activity index was determined to evaluate the status of colitis.Intestinal permeability was evaluated by gavage administration of fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran,and bacterial translocation was evaluated by measuring serum lipopolysaccharide.Intestinal epithelial cell ultrastructure was observed by electron microscopy.Western blotting and quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction were used to detect the expression of intestinal barrier proteins and mRNA,respectively.Serum oxidant and antioxidant marker levels were analyzed using commercial kits to assess oxidative stress levels.RESULTS Compared to wild-type(WT)mice,inflammation and intestinal permeability in alk-SMase knockout(KO)mice were more severe beginning 4 d after DSS induction.The mRNA and protein levels of intestinal barrier proteins,including zonula occludens-1,occludin,claudin-3,claudin-5,claudin-8,mucin 2,and secretory immunoglobulin A,were significantly reduced on 4 d after DSS treatment.Ultrastructural observations revealed progressive damage to the tight junctions of intestinal epithelial cells.Furthermore,by day 4,mitochondria appeared swollen and degenerated.Additionally,compared to WT mice,serum malondialdehyde levels in KO mice were higher,and the antioxidant capacity was significantly lower.The expression of the transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)in the colonic mucosal tissue of KO mice was significantly decreased after DSS treatment.mRNA levels of Nrf2-regulated downstream antioxidant enzymes were also decreased.Finally,colitis in KO mice could be effectively relieved by the injection of tertiary butylhydroquinone,which is an Nrf2 activator.CONCLUSION Alk-SMase regulates the stability of the intestinal mucosal barrier and enhances antioxidant activity through the Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Structure transformation induced bi-component Co–Mo/A-Co(OH)_(2)as highly efficient hydrogen evolution catalyst in alkaline media

Elucidating the inherent origins of the sluggish hydrogen evolution reaction(HER)kinetics in alkaline media and developing high-performance electrocatalysts are fundamental for the advances of conventional alkaline water electrolyzers and emerging anion exchange membrane(AEM)electrolyzers.Here we present a facile electrochemical modification strategy for the synthesis of bi-component Co–Mo_((18%))/A-Co(OH)_(2)catalyst toward efficient HER catalysis in alkaline media.Porous Co–Mo alloys with adjustable Mo/Co atomic ratio are first prepared by H2-assisted cathodic electrodeposition.By virtue of the appropriate electronic structure and hydrogen binding energy,Co–Mo_((18%))is the most HER active among the alloys and is further activated by a constant-current electrochemical modification process.Physical characterizations reveal the formation of amorphous Co(OH)_(2)nanoparticles on the surface.Electrokinetic analysis combined with theoretical calculations reveal that the in-situ formed Co(OH)_(2)can efficiently promote the water dissociation,resulting in accelerated Volmer-step kinetics.As a result,the Co–Mo_((18%))/A-Co(OH)_(2)simultaneously achieves the optimization of the two factors dominating alkaline HER activity,i.e.,water dissociation and hydrogen adsorption/desorption via the bifunctional synergy of the bi-components.The high HER activity(η10 of 47 mV at 10 mA cm^(-2))of Co–Mo_((18%))/A-Co(OH)_(2)is close to benchmark Pt/C catalyst and comparable or superior to the most active non-noble metal catalysts.

Experimental study on reactions between alkaline basaltic melt and orthopyroxenes: constraints on the evolution of lithospheric mantle in the North China Craton

The experimental results of the reactions between an alkaline basaltic melt and mantle orthopyroxenes under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions of 1300–1400℃ and 2.0–3.0 GPa using a six-anvil apparatus are reported in this paper.The reactions are proposed to simulate the interactions between melts from the asthenospheric mantle and the lithospheric mantle.The starting melt in the experiments was made from the alkaline basalt occurring in Fuxin,Liaoning Province,and the orthopyroxenes were separated from the mantle xenoliths in Damaping,Hebei Province.The results show that clinopyroxenes were formed in all the reactions between the alkaline basaltic melt and orthopyroxenes under the studied P–T conditions.The formation of clinopyroxene in the reaction zone is mainly controlled by dissolution–crystallization,and the chemical compositions of the reacted melt are primarily infl uenced by the diff usion eff ect.Temperature is the most important parameter controlling the reactions between the melt and orthopyroxenes,which has a direct impact on the melting of orthopyroxenes and the diff usion of chemical components in the melt.Temperature also directly controls the chemical compositions of the newly formed clinopyroxenes in the reaction zone and the reacted melt.The formation of clinopyroxenes from the reactions between the alkaline basaltic melt and orthopyroxenes can result in an increase of CaO and Al_(2)O_(3) contents in the rocks containing this mineral.Therefore,the reactions between the alkaline basaltic melt from the asthenospheric mantle and orthopyroxenes from the lithospheric mantle can lead to the evolution of lithospheric mantle in the North China Craton from refractory to fertile with relatively high CaO and Al 2 O 3 contents.In addition,the reacted melts in some runs were transformed from the starting alkaline basaltic into tholeiitic after reactions,indicating that tholeiitic magma could be generated from alkaline basaltic one via reactions between the latter and orthopyroxene.

Epitaxially Grown Ru Clusters-Nickel Nitride Heterostructure Advances Water Electrolysis Kinetics in Alkaline and Seawater Media

The epitaxial heterostructure can be rationally designed based on the in situ growth of two compatible phases with lattice similarity,in which the modulated electronic states and tuned adsorption behaviors are conducive to the enhancement of electrocatalytic activity.Herein,theoretical simulations first disclose the charge transfer trend and reinforced inherent electron conduction around the epitaxial heterointerface between Ru clusters and Ni_(3)N substrate(cRu-Ni_(3)N),thus leading to the optimized adsorption behaviors and reduced activation energy barriers.Subsequently,the defectrich nanosheets with the epitaxially grown cRu-Ni_(3)N heterointerface are successfully constructed.Impressively,by virtue of the superiority of intrinsic activity and reaction kinetics,such unique epitaxial heterostructure exhibits remarkable bifunctional catalytic activity toward electrocatalytic OER(226 mV@20 mA cm^(−2))and HER(32 mV@10 mA cm^(−2))in alkaline media.Furthermore,it also shows great application prospect in alkaline freshwater and seawater splitting,as well as solar-to-hydrogen integrated system.This work could provide beneficial enlightenment for the establishment of advanced electrocatalysts with epitaxial heterointerfaces.

Imidazolium group prompted alkaline anion-exchange membrane with high performance for efficient electrochemical CO_(2) conversion

Development of high-performance hydroxide-conductive membranes is a focus research subject owing to promising applications in electrochemical reduction of CO_(2)(eCO_(2)RR).However,few satisfactory membranes have been developed to maximize the performance of CO_(2) electrolyzers,despite its role as the core in regulating ion transport and preventing product crossover or fuel loss.Herein,we report the synthesis of alkaline anion-exchange membranes fabricated by poly(vinyl-alcohol)(PVA)and poly[(3-methyl-1-vinylimidazoliummethylsulfate)-co-(1-vinylpyrrolidone)](PQ44)for use in CO_(2) electrolysis.Owing to the unique imidazolium ring structure coupled with a three-dimensional semiinterpenetrating porous internal architecture,the PVA/PQ44-OH-membranes provide a high hydroxide conductivity(21.47 mS cm^(-1)),preferable mechanical property and thermal stability.In particular,the eCO_(2)RR used PVA/PQ44-OH^(-) as electrolyte membrane realized a charming Faradaic efficiency(88%)and partial current density(29 mA cm^(-2))at0.96 VRHE and,delivered the excellent durability over 20 h electrolysis in 0.5 mol L^(-1) KHCO_(3) electrolyte.Notably,it can even enable an ultrahigh current density beyond 100 mA cm^(-2) at^(-1).11 VRHE when the electrolyte was KOH instead,and produced the FEHCOOof 85%at a low potential of0.81 VRHE,superior to both commercial alkaline A201 and acidic Nafion117 membrane.

Effects of deep alkaline and acidic fluids on reservoir developed in fault belt of saline lacustrine basin

Through the long development processes of reservoir sedimentation and diagenesis, acidic and alkaline fluids play key roles in controlling deep reservoir development. However, the ways in which deep fluids control and transform the reservoir under complex fault conditions remain unclear. In this study, a 2D model was established based on a typical sub-salt to intra-salt vertical profile in the Qaidam Basin, China. Based on measured data, multiphase flow reaction and solute transport simulation technology were used to analyze fluids flow and migration in the intra-salt and sub-salt reservoirs, determine the mineral dissolution, precipitation, and transformation in the reservoir caused by the deep fluids, and calculate the changes in reservoir porosity. Results show that deep fluid migrates preferentially along dominant channels and triggers a series of fluid–rock chemical reactions. In the first stage, a large amount of anhydrite precipitated in the fault as a result of upward migration of deep saline fluid, resulting in the formation of anhydrite veins and blockage at the base of the fault. In the second stage, organic acids caused minerals dissolution and a vertical channel was opened in previously blocked area, which promoted continuous upward migration of organic acids and the formation of secondary pores. This study clarifies the transformative effects of deep alkaline and acidic fluids on the reservoir. Moreover, the important fluid transport role of faults and their effect on reservoir development were determined.

A Gγallele makes alkaline tolerance real

Along with the increase in the population,the requirements for increased human food and animal feed production have been boosted worldwide.Such an urgent food demand requires more arable land for crop productions.To cope with these urgent needs,saline and/or alkaline lands could be used as alternatives for crop production.

Pulmonary and tricuspid regurgitation after Tetralogy of Fallot repair: A case report

BACKGROUND Tetralogy of Fallot(TOF)is one of the most common congenital heart defects,and surgery is the primary treatment.There are no precise guidelines on the treatment protocol for tricuspid regurgitation(TR)as a common complication of TOF repair.The timing for treatment in patients presenting with valve regurgitation after TOF repair is often difficult to determine.Here,we report the first case of sequential treatment of pulmonary and TR using interventional therapy.CASE SUMMARY We present the case of a 52-year-old female patient,who had a history of TOF repair at a young age.A few years later,the patient presented with pulmonary and tricuspid regurgitation.The symptoms persisted and TR worsened following percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation.Preoperative testing revealed that the patient’s disease had advanced to an intermediate to advanced stage and that her general health was precarious.Because open-heart surgery was not an option for the patient,transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement was suggested.This procedure was successful,and the patient recovered fully without any adverse effects.This case report may serve as a useful resource for planning future treatments.CONCLUSION Treatment of both valves should be considered in patients with tricuspid and pulmonary regurgitations following TOF repair.The interventional strategy could be an alternative for patients with poor general health.

Pleural Fluid Alkaline Phosphate Levels to Differentiate between Tuberculosis and Malignant Pleural Effusion a Tertiary Care Experience

Introduction: Pleural effusion (PF) is a common clinical presentation in several diseases. Tuberculosis is one of the most frequent causes of exudative pleural effusions in immunocompetent patients. Tuberculosis is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality from an infectious disease in developing countries. Pakistan is ranked fifth in the world in terms of tuberculosis high-burden countries. Various pleural fluid parameters have been used to identify the cause of pleural effusion. It has been discovered that tuberculous pleural effusions had a greater alkaline phosphatase (ALP) concentration than transudative effusions. This study used pleural fluid alkaline phosphatase levels to distinguish between tuberculous pleural effusion and malignant pleural effusion because there is little information from tuberculosis-high burden nations like Pakistan. Study Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study conducted at the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center in Karachi between October 2016 and October 2017. Material and Methods: The study comprised all patients who were admitted to the department of chest medicine at Jinnah post graduate medical centre (JPMC) of either gender between the ages of 18 and 70 who had exudative lymphocytic pleural effusions lasting two weeks or more included in the study. Non probability consecutive sampling was used to collect data. Patients who have tonsillitis, pharyngitis, pneumonia, asthma, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or a history of hemoptysis, Bleeding disorders like, platelet function disorder, thrombocytopenia, Liver cirrhosis and Pregnant women were excluded. Parents’ informed consent was obtained after being informed of the study’s protocol, hazards, and advantages. Each patient had their level of pleural fluid alkaline phosphate (PALP) assessed. In order to evaluate the patient’s pleural effusion, a pre-made questionnaire was used. All the collected data were entered into the SPSS 20. An independent sample t-test was used to recognize alkaline phosphate levels association with pleural fluid secondary to tuberculosis or malignancy. Results: In this Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study, the total of 156 patients with age Mean ± SD of was 41.96 ± 17.05 years. The majority of patients 110 (70.5%) were male and 46 (29.5%) were female. Advanced age was associated with raised pleural fluid alkaline phosphatase. The difference of pleural fluid alkaline phosphate level between tuberculous v/s malignant group was found to be (38.03 ± 45.97) v/s (82.77 ± 61.80) respectively with P-value (P = 0.0001). Conclusion: Malignant pleural effusions had elevated PALP when compared to tuberculous pleural effusions in exudative lymphocytic pleural effusions;better differences are seen in older ages and shorter disease durations.

Design strategy and comprehensive performance assessment towards Zn anode for alkaline rechargeable batteries

Alkaline Zn-based primary batteries have been commercialized in the past decades.However,their success has not been extended to secondary batteries due to the poor cycle reversibility of Zn anodes.Although some research has been conducted on alkaline Zn anodes,their performance is still far from commercial requirements.A variety of degradation mechanisms,including passivation,dendrites,morphological changes,and hydrogen precipitation,are claimed responsible for the failure of alkaline Zn metal anodes.What’s worse,these constraints always interact with each other,which leads to a single strategy being unable to suppress all the issues.Therefore,a comprehensive evaluation of the positive and negative effects of various strategies on performance is important to promote the commercialization of alkaline Zn batteries.Herein,the recent progress and performance of improvement strategies for Zn anode in alkaline conditions are reviewed systematically.First,the principles and challenges of alkaline Zn anodes are briefly analyzed.Then,various design strategies for alkaline Zn anodes from the perspectives of ion and electron regulation are highlighted.Last,through a comprehensive summary of various performance parameters,the advantages and disadvantages of different strategies are compared and evaluated.On the basis of this assessment,we aim to provide more insights into the anode design of high-performance alkaline rechargeable Zn batteries.

Importance of concomitant functional mitral regurgitation on survival in severe aortic stenosis patients undergoing aortic valve replacement

BACKGROUND Mitral regurgitation(MR)is commonly seen in patients with severe aortic stenosis(AS)undergoing aortic valve replacement(AVR).But the long-term implications of MR in AS are unknown.AIM To investigate MR’s impact on survival of patients undergoing surgical AVR for severe AS.METHODS Of the 740 consecutive patients with severe AS evaluated between 1993 and 2003,287 underwent AVR forming the study cohort.They were followed up to death or till the end of 2019.Chart reviews were performed for clinical,echocardiographic,and therapeutic data.MR was graded on a 1-4 scale.Mortality data was obtained from chart review and the Social Security Death Index.Survival was analyzed as a function of degree of MR.RESULTS The mean age of the severe AS patients who had AVR(n=287)was 72±13 years,46%women.Over up to 26 years of follow up,there were 201(70%)deaths,giving deep insights into the determinants of survival of severe AS who had AVR.The 5,10 and 20 years survival rates were 75%,45%and 25%respectively.Presence of MR was associated with higher mortality in a graded fashion(P=0.0003).MR was significantly associated with lower left ventricular(LV)ejection fraction and larger LV size.Impact of MR on mortality was partially mediated through lower LV ejection fraction and larger LV size.By Cox regression,MR,lower ejection fraction(EF)and larger LV end-systolic dimension were independent predictors of higher mortality(χ^(2)=33.2).CONCLUSION Presence of greater than 2+MR in patients with severe AS is independently associated with reduced survival in surgically managed patients,an effect incremental to reduced EF and larger LV size.We suggest that aortic valve intervention should be considered in severe AS patients when>2+MR occurs irrespective of EF or symptoms.