Thermogravimetric characteristics of corn straw and bituminous coal copyrolysis based the ilmenite oxygen carriers

Herein,the co-pyrolysis reaction characteristics of corn straw(CS)and bituminous coal in the presence of ilmenite oxygen carriers(OCs)are investigated via thermogravimetry coupled with mass spectrometry.The results reveal that the participation of OCs weakens the devolatilization intensity of co-pyrolysis.When the CS blending ratio is<50%,the mixed fuel exhibits positive synergistic effects.The fitting results according to the Coats-Redfern integral method show that the solid-solid interaction between OCs and coke changes the reaction kinetics,enhancing the co-pyrolysis reactivity at the high-temperature zone(750-950C).The synergistic effect is most prominent at a 30%CS blending ratio,with copyrolysis activation energy in the range of 26.35-40.57 kJ·mol^(-1).

Clinical Analysis and Mental Health Survey of Hemophilia Carriers:a Cross-sectional Study

Objective:Hemophilia carriers(HCs),who are heterozygous for mutations in the clotting factor VIII/clotting factor IX gene(F8 or F9),may have a wide range of clotting factor levels,from very low,similar to afflicted males,to the upper limit of normal,and may experience mental health issues.The purpose of this study was to provide genetic information on mothers of hemophilia patients and to understand the clotting factor activity and phenotype of HCs.Additionally,we aimed to investigate the mental health status of HCs in China.Methods:A total of 127 hemophilia mothers,including 93 hemophilia A(HA)mothers and 34 hemophilia B(HB)mothers,were enrolled in this study.Long distance PCR,multiplex PCR,and Sanger sequencing were used to analyze mutations in F8 or F9.Coagulation factor activity was detected by a one-stage clotting assay.The Symptom Checklist 90(SCL-90,China/Mandarin version)was given to HCs at the same time to assess their mental health.Results:A total of 90.6%of hemophilia mothers were diagnosed genetically as carriers,with inversion in intron 22 and missense mutations being the most common mutation types in HA and HB carriers,respectively.The median clotting factor level in carriers was 0.74 IU/mL(ranging from 0.09 to 1.74 IU/mL)compared with 1.49 IU/mL(ranging from 0.93 to 1.89 IU/mL)in noncarriers,of which 14.3%of HCs had clotting factor levels of 0.40 IU/mL or below.A total of 53.8%(7/13)of HA carriers with low clotting factor levels(less than 0.50 IU/mL)had a history of bleeding,while none of the HB carriers displayed a bleeding phenotype.The total mean score and the global severity index of the SCL-90 for surveyed HCs were 171.00(±60.37)and 1.78(±0.59),respectively.A total of 67.7%of the respondents had psychological symptoms,with obsessive-compulsive disorder being the most prevalent and severe.The pooled estimates of all nine factors were significantly higher than those in the general population(P<0.05).Conclusions:The detection rate of gene mutations in hemophilia mothers was 90.6%,with a median clotting factor level of 0.74 IU/mL,and 14.3%of HCs had a clotting factor level of 0.40 IU/mL or below.A history of bleeding was present in 41.2%of HCs with low clotting factor levels(less than 0.50 IU/mL).Additionally,given the fragile mental health status of HCs in China,it is critical to develop efficient strategies to improve psychological well-being.

Ethane Chemical Looping Oxidative Dehydrogenation to Ethylene over Co_(2)O_(3)(Fe_(2)O_(3),NiO)/LaCoO_(3) Oxygen Carriers

Ethane chemical looping oxidative dehydrogenation(CL-ODH)to ethylene is a new technology for converting ethane to ethylene.In the current study MeO/LaCoO_(3)(MeO=Fe_(2)O_(3),NiO or Co_(2)O_(3))composite metal oxides were prepared via citrate gel and impregnation methods,and used as oxygen carriers for CL-ODH.X-ray diffraction results indicated that all oxygen carriers had a perovskite structure even after eight redox cycles.Under a reaction temperature of 650°C,a reaction pressure of 0.1 MPa,and a weight hourly space velocity(WHSV)of 7500 mL/(g·h),ethane conversion over Co_(2)O_(3)/LaCoO_(3) reached 100%and ethylene selectivity reached 60%,both of which were better than corresponding values attained over Fe_(2)O_(3)/LaCoO_(3) and NiO/LaCoO_(3).Ethylene selectivity remained stable for 80 cycles over Co_(2)O_(3)/LaCoO_(3),then decreased gradually after 80 cycles.X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results and evaluation results indicated that lattice oxygen and O_(2)2-had a direct relationship with ethane conversion and ethylene selectivity.Co_(2)O_(3)/LaCoO_(3) exhibited a strong capacity to release and absorb oxygen,mainly due to interaction between Co_(2)O_(3) and LaCoO_(3).

Advancements in biomass gasification research utilizing iron-based oxygen carriers in chemical looping:A review

Biomass,recognized as renewable green coal,is pivotal for energy conservation,emission reduction,and dualcarbon objectives.Chemical looping gasification,an innovative technology,aims to enhance biomass utilization efficiency.Using metal oxides as oxygen carriers regulates the oxygen-to-fuel ratio to optimize synthesis product yields.This review examines various oxygen carriers and their roles in chemical looping biomass gasification,including natural iron ore types,industrial by-products,cerium oxide-based carriers,and core-shell structures.The catalytic,kinetic,and phase transfer properties of iron-based oxygen carriers are analyzed,and their catalytic cracking capabilities are explored.Molecular interactions are elucidated and system performance is optimized by providing insights into chemical looping reaction mechanisms and strategies to improve carrier efficiency,along with discussing advanced techniques such as density functional theory(DFT)and reactive force field(ReaxFF)molecular dynamics(MD).This paper serves as a roadmap for advancing chemical looping gasification towards sustainable energy goals.

Advances in the development of amorphous solid dispersions:The role of polymeric carriers

Amorphous solid dispersion(ASD)is one of the most effective approaches for delivering poorly soluble drugs.In ASDs,polymeric materials serve as the carriers in which the drugs are dispersed at the molecular level.To prepare the solid dispersions,there are many polymers with various physicochemical and thermochemical characteristics available for use in ASD formulations.Polymer selection is of great importance because it influences the stability,solubility and dissolution rates,manufacturing process,and bioavailability of the ASD.This review article provides a comprehensive overview of ASDs from the perspectives of physicochemical characteristics of polymers,formulation designs and preparation methods.Furthermore,considerations of safety and regulatory requirements along with the studies recommended for characterizing and evaluating polymeric carriers are briefly discussed.

Advances in Research on Cellulose-based Drug Carriers

Traditional drug delivery methods are prone to large fluctuations in drug concentration and require multiple frequent doses.As a green material with excellent properties,cellulose has been widely used as a drug carrier for the development and preparation of drug controlled-release system.Based on the mechanisms of slow drug release,such as dissolution-diffusion release,degradation release,and nanochannel-controlled release,the preparation methods of cellulose-based drug carriers are introduced in this paper.The applications of cellulose-based drug carriers in the fields of antitumor therapy,antibacterial therapy,chronic disease treatment,and viral disease treatment are summarized with the aim of providing a useful reference for research on cellulose-based drug carriers.

Hepatitis B surface antigen clearance in inactive hepatitis B surface antigen carriers treated with peginterferon alfa-2a

AIM: To examine the association between interferon(IFN) therapy and loss of hepatitis B surface antigen(HBs Ag) in inactive HBs Ag carriers. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study in inactive HBs Ag carriers, who were treatment-naive, with a serum HBs Ag level < 100 IU/m L and an undetectable hepatitis B virus(HBV) DNA level(< 100 IU/m L). All the 20 treated patients received subcutaneous PEG-IFN alfa-2a 180 μg/wk for 72 wk and were then followed for 24 wk. There were 40 untreated controls matched with 96 wk of observation. Serum HBs Ag, HBV DNA, and alanine aminotransferases were monitored every 3 mo in the treatment group and every 3-6 mo in the control group. RESULTS: Thirteen(65.0%) of 20 treated patients achieved HBs Ag loss, 12 of whom achieved HBs Ag seroconversion. Mean HBs Ag level in treated patients decreased to 6.69 ± 13.04 IU/m L after 24 wk of treatment from a baseline level of 26.22 ± 33.00 IU/m L. Serum HBV DNA level remained undetectable(< 100 IU/m L) in all treated patients during the study. HBs Ag level of the control group decreased from 25.72 ± 25.58 IU/m L at baseline to 17.11 ± 21.62 IU/m L at week 96(P = 0.108). In the control group, no patient experienced HBs Ag loss/seroconversion, and two(5.0%) developed HBV reactivation.CONCLUSION: IFN treatment results in HBs Ag loss and seroconversion in a considerable proportion of inactive HBs Ag carriers with low HBs Ag concentrations.

Low Crosstalk Three-Color Infrared Detector by Controlling the Minority Carriers Type of InAs/GaSb Superlattices for Middle-Long and Very-Long Wavelength

We report a type-Ⅱ InAs/GaSb superlattice three-color infrared detector for mid-wave （MW）, long-wave （LW）, and very long-wave （VLW） detections. The detector structure consists of three contacts of NIPIN architecture for MW and LW detections, and hetero-junction NIP architecture for VLW detection. It is found that the spectral crosstalks can be significantly reduced by controlling the minority carriers transport via doping beryllium in the two active regions of NIPIN section. The crosstalk detection at MW, LW, and VLW signals are achieved by selecting the bias voltages on the device. At 77K, the cutoff wavelengths of the three-color detection are 5.3μm （at OmV）, 141μm （at 300mV） and 19μm （at -20mV） with the detectivities of 4.6xlO11 cm.Hzl/ZW-1, 2.3×10^10 cm.Hzl/2W-1, and 1.0×10^10cm.Hzl/2W-1 for MW, LW and VLW. The crosstalks of the MW channel, LW channel, and VLW channel are almost 0, 0.25, and 0.6, respectively.

A male-ABCD algorithm for hepatocellular carcinoma risk prediction in HBs Ag carriers

Objective: Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) development among hepatitis B surface antigen(HBs Ag) carriers shows gender disparity, influenced by underlying liver diseases that display variations in laboratory tests. We aimed to construct a risk-stratified HCC prediction model for HBs Ag-positive male adults.Methods: HBs Ag-positive males of 35-69 years old(N=6,153) were included from a multi-center populationbased liver cancer screening study. Randomly, three centers were set as training, the other three centers as validation. Within 2 years since initiation, we administrated at least two rounds of HCC screening using Bultrasonography and α-fetoprotein(AFP). We used logistic regression models to determine potential risk factors,built and examined the operating characteristics of a point-based algorithm for HCC risk prediction.Results: With 2 years of follow-up, 302 HCC cases were diagnosed. A male-ABCD algorithm was constructed including participant's age, blood levels of GGT(γ-glutamyl-transpeptidase), counts of platelets, white cells,concentration of DCP(des-γ-carboxy-prothrombin) and AFP, with scores ranging from 0 to 18.3. The area under receiver operating characteristic was 0.91(0.90-0.93), larger than existing models. At 1.5 points of risk score,26.10% of the participants in training cohort and 14.94% in validation cohort were recognized at low risk, with sensitivity of identifying HCC remained 100%. At 2.5 points, 46.51% of the participants in training cohort and 33.68% in validation cohort were recognized at low risk with 99.06% and 97.78% of sensitivity, respectively. At 4.5 points, only 20.86% of participants in training cohort and 23.73% in validation cohort were recognized at high risk,with positive prediction value of 22.85% and 12.35%, respectively.Conclusions: Male-ABCD algorithm identified individual's risk for HCC occurrence within short term for their HCC precision surveillance.

Research on Energy Efficiency Design Index for Sea-going LNG Carriers

This paper describes the characteristics of liquefied natural gas （LNG） carriers briefly. The LNG carrier includes power plant selection, vapor treatment, liquid cargo tank type, etc. Two parameters fuel substitution rate and recovery of boil of gas （BOG） volume to energy efficiency design index （EEDI） formula are added, and EEDI formula of LNG carriers is established based on ship EEDI formula. Then, based on steam turbine propulsion device of LNG carriers, mathematical models of LNG carriers＇ reference line value are established in this paper. By verification, the EEDI formula of LNG carriers described in this paper can provide a reference for LNG carrier EEDI calculation and green shipbuilding.

Analysis of the Impact of Thermochemical Recuperation of Waste Heat on the Energy Efficiency of Gas Carriers

Enlarging the fleet of gas carriers would make it possible to respond to the growing demand for hydrocarbon gases,but it will increase carbon dioxide emissions.The International Maritime Organization(IMO)has developed the energy efficiency design index(EEDI)with the objective of carbon emission reduction for new ships.In this paper,thirty gas carriers transporting liquefied natural gas(LNG)and liquefied petroleum gas(LPG)and equipped with various types of main engines are considered.As shown by the calculation of the attained EEDI,2 of the 13 LPG carriers and 6 of the 17 LNG carriers under study do not comply with the EEDI requirements.To meet the stringent EEDI requirements,applying thermochemical regenerators(TCRs)fed by main engine exhaust gases is suggested.Mathematical modeling is applied to analyze the characteristics of the combined gas-turbine-electric and diesel-electric power plant with thermochemical recuperation of the exhaust gas heat.Utilizing TCR on gas carriers with engines fueled by syngas produced from boil-off gas(BOG)reduces the carbon content by 35%and provides the energy efficiency required by IMO without the use of other technologies.

Perspectives on bone-targeted nano-drug carriers for bone tumor treatment

Bone tumour is one of most common primary cancer which exhibits cancerous osteoblastic differentiation and malignant osteoid in patients.At present,chemotherapy(pre-and post-operative)is used as a standard treatment protocol for bone tumour.However,drugs used in the treatment of bone tumour induce high toxicity to normal tissues including anaemia,neutropenia,thrombocytopenia,and heart damage which further reduce the survival rate of patients.Therefore,there is an urgent need to develop a new therapeutic approach for the treatment such that it induce maximum cell killing effect in tumor cells while sparing the healthy bone cells.In this article,some new perspectives were provided on the development of bone-targeted nano-drug carriers for bone cancer treatment.We hope such discussions wouldencourage more detailed and careful studies to support product development of bone-targeted drug carriers for bone cancer treatment.

Differential gene expression between asymptomatic HBV carriers and normal adults

BACKGROUND: There are more than 100 million wa symptomatic HBV carriers (ASCs) in China and they are at a high risk of developing liver disease, which creates a serious health problem. But more than 90% of normal adults clear virus from primary HBV infection, so the difference of gene expression between ASCs and normal adults determines the differential outcomes. To identify differentially expressed genes in ASCs compared to normal adults, we used suppression subtractive hybridization to compare gene expression. METHODS: cDNA subtracted libraries were constructed by suppression subtracted hybridization from peripheral blood monocytes of ASCs and normal adults, the subtracted clones were prescreened by dot blot hybridization, and the levels of genes of interest were confirmed by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: One hundred and two and 96 positive clones were acquired from the A-N and N-A libraries, respectively, and 14 and 11 clones were identified by dot blot hybridization in the A-N and N-A libraries. Two genes were confirmed as differentially expressed between a set of ASC and normal adult samples by real-time RT-PCR. CONCLUSIONS: Differentially expressed genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells between ASCs and normal adults were isolated by suppression subtractive hybridization, and included some new genes. Of the upregulated genes in ASCs, checkpoint suppressor I is associated with DNA damage-induced cell cycle arrest. Perforin I is associated with inflammation. The information about such alterations in gene expression could be useful for elucidating the mechanisms of ASC pathogenesis.

Foveal pit morphological changes in asymptomatic carriers of the G11778A mutation with Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy

AIM:To investigate the foveal pit morphology changes in unaffected carriers and affected Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy(LHON)patients with the G11778 A mutation from one family.METHODS:This study was a prospective cross-sectional study.Both eyes from 16 family members(age from 9 to 47 y)with the G11778 A mutation were analyzed and compared with 1 eye from 20 normal control subjects.Eleven family members with the G11778 A mutation but without optic neuropathy were classified as unaffected carriers(n=22 eyes).Five family members(n=10 eyes)expressed the LHON phenotype and were classified as affected patients.Retinal images of all the subjects were taken by optical coherence tomography(OCT),and an automatic algorithm was used to segment the retina to eight layers.Horizontal and vertical OCT images centered on the fovea were used to measure intra-retinal layer thicknesses and foveal morphometry.RESULTS:Thicker foveal thickness,thinner foveal pit depth,and flatter foveal slopes were observed in unaffected carriers and affected LHON patients(all P<0.001).Further,the slopes of all four sectors in the LHON were flatter than those in the unaffected carriers(all P<0.001).Compared with the control group,affected LHON patients had a thinner retinal nerve fiber layer(RNFL),ganglion cell layer and inner plexiform layer(GCL+IPL),and total retina(all P<0.01).The retinal nerve fiber layer(RNFL)of affected patients was 38.0%thinner than that of controls while the GCL+IPL was 40.1%thinner.CONCLUSION:The foveal pit morphology shows changes in both unaffected carriers and affects patients.RNFL and GCL+IPL are thinner in affected LHON patients but not in unaffected carriers.

Advances in studies of phospholipids as carriers in skin topical application

Objective： This article provides an overview of characteristics of phospholipids, the characteristics and influential factors of liposome and microemulsion as carriers for skin delivery of drugs, and the latest advances of the phospholipids carriers in transdermal delivery systems. The perspective is that phospholipids carriers may be capable of a wide range of applications in the transdermal delivery system.

Thermodynamic Analysis and Synthesis Gas Generation by Chemical-Looping Gasification of Biomass with Nature Hematite as Oxygen Carriers

Thermodynamic parameters of chemical reactions in the system were carried out through thermodynamic analysis. According to the Gibbs free energy minimization principle of the system, equilibrium composition of the reactions of chemical-looping gasification (CLG) of biomass with natural hematite (Fe2O3) as oxygen carrier were analyzed using commercial software of HSC Chemistry 5.1. The feasibility of the CLG of biomass with hematite was experimental verified in a lab-scale bubbling fluidized bed reactor using argon as fluidizing gas. It was indicated the experimental results were consistent with the theoretical analysis. The presence of oxygen carrier gave a significant effect on the biomass conversion and improved the synthesis gas yield obviously. It was observed that the gas content of CO and H2 was over 70% in CLG of biomass. The reduced hematite particles mainly existed in form of FeO. It was showed that the reduction of natural hematite with biomass proceeds in a stepwise manner from Fe2O3 →Fe3O4→ FeO. Reduction product of natural hematite can be restored the lattice oxygen by oxidation with air.

Microwave Absorption Properties of Polyester Composites Incorporated with Heterostructure Nanofillers with Carbon Nanotubes as Carriers

Carbonaceous nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes （CNTs）, magnetic metal nanomaterials and semicon- ductor nanomaterials are superior candidates for microwave absorbers. Taking full advantage of the features of CNTs, nanophase cobalt and nanophase zinc oxide, whose main microwave absorption mechanisms are based on resistance loss, magnetic loss and dielectric loss, we fabricate CNT/Co and CNT/ZnO heterostructure nanocom- posites, respectively. By using the CNTs, CNT/Co nanocomposites and CNT/ZnO nanocomposites as nanofillers, composites with polyester as matrix are prepared by in situ polymerization, and their microwave absorption per- formance is studied. It is indicated that the synergetic effects of the physic properties of different components in nano-heterostructures result in greatly enhanced microwave absorption performance in a wide frequency range. The absorption peak is increased, the absorption bandwidth is broadened, and the maximum peak shifts to a lower frequency.

Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLN) and Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLC): Occlusive Effect and Penetration Enhancement Ability

Objective: This work compares the occlusive effect and the penetration enhancement ability of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC), through in vitro skin. Methods: SLN and NLC were prepared by high shear homogenization and characterized by size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, morphology and physical stability. Occlusive effect was assessed by an in vitro test and by measuring TEWL using pig skin. Skin treated with the lipid carriers was visualized by SEM. A penetration test through skin, followed by tape stripping, was carried out using Nile red as a marker. Results: SLN (200 ± 6 nm) and NLC (192 ± 11 nm) were obtained. An occlusion factor of 36% - 39% was observed for both systems, while a reduction in TEWL of 34.3% ± 14.8% and 26.2% ± 6.5% was seen after treatment with SLN and NLC, respectively. SEM images showed a film formed by the lipid carriers, responsible for the occlusion observed. No differences were found between the occlusive effect produced by SLN and NLC in both tests. NLC allowed the penetration of a greater amount of Nile red than SLN: 4.7 ± 1.3 μg and 1.7 ± 0.4 μg, respectively. Conclusion: Both carriers form a film on the skin, providing an occlusive effect with no differences between these two systems. The penetration of a marker (Nile red) into the stratum corneum was quite higher for NLC than for SLN, suggesting an influence of the composition of these particles on their penetration enhancing ability.

Screening,phylogenetic analysis and antibiotic sensitivity pattern of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi isolates from typhoid asymptomatic carriers

Objective:To isolate the Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi(S.typhi) from asymptomatic typhoid carriers in the local population.To assess the antibiotic sensitivity and resistant pattern of S.typhi isolates against viable antibiotics and phylogenetic analysis of S.typhi isolates on the basis of 16S rDNA gene.Methods:S.typhi was isolated and identified based on the cultural characteristics on BSA(Bismuth Sulphite Agar),MacConkey agar,agglutination test with specific antiserum and phylogenetic analysis.5.typhi isolates were tested for sensitivity and resistant pattern with a number of viable antibiotics by disc diffusion method.Result:A total of 15 bile samples were collected from the food handlers to screen the typhoid asymptomatic carriers.Positive result was yielded for 3 out of 15 samples.S.typhi isolates showed resistant to amphicillin(100%), tetracyclin(100%),rifampicin(66.5%),ofloxacin(33.5%),cloxacillin(33.5%) and susceptibility to gentamycin(100%),amikacin(100%),chloramphenicol(100%),streptomycin(100%),kanamycin (100%),cprofloxacin(100%),amoxycillin(66.5%) and ofloxacin(66.5%).Conclusions:This study demonstrates the outbreak of typhoid fever occurs through asymptomatic carrier.In addition,this study also reveals the occurrence of considerable drug resistant among the S.typhi isolates.

Spray drying of fenofibrate loaded nanostructured lipid carriers

The conversion of aqueous dispersion of nanostructured lipid carriers(NLCs) into dry powder by spray drying could be a useful approach to render NLCs with better physical chemical stability than the aqueous dispersion. In this study, aqueous NLC dispersion containing fenofibrate was converted into dry, easily reconstitutable powder using spray drying. A central composite face centered design(CCFD) was used to investigate the influence of the ratio of lipid to protectant(mannitol and trehalose) and crystallinity of spray-dried powder on the particle size, yield and residual moisture content of the dried powder. A linear relationship(R2= 0.9915) was established between the crystalline content of the spray-dried powders against the ratio of mannitol to trehalose from 3:7 to 10:0(w/w). Spray drying of NLC aqueous dispersion using a mannitol and trehalose mixture resulted in an increase in particle size of the NLCs after reconstitution in water as compared to that in the initial aqueous dispersion. The decrease in crystallinity of the dry powder by reducing the ratio of mannitol to trehalose could improve the reconstitution of the NLCs in water. However the yield and residual moisture content of dry powder decreased with an increase in the ratio of mannitol to trehalose. Lipid nanoparticles were able to retain the drug incorporation and the prolonged drug release profile after spray drying. The experimental model was robust, and suggested that spray drying is a viable technique for the conversion of NLCs into dry powder.