Facile Fabrication of Fe2O3/Nitrogen Deficient g-C3N4-x Composite Catalysts with Enhanced Photocatalytic Performances

The modification of graphitic carbon nitride can significantly improve the photocatalytic performance of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4). Fe2O3/nitrogen-deficient g-C3N4-x composite catalysts were prepared with dicyandiamide as the precursor and Fe3+ doped in this study. The composite catalysts were characterized by XRD, SEM, FT-IR, XPS and photocurrent measurements. Close interaction occurred between Fe2O3 and nitrogen deficient g-C3N4-x, more photogenerated electrons were created and effectively separated from the holes, resulting in a decrease of photocarrier recombination, and thus enhancing the photocurrent. Photocatalytic performance experiments showed that Fe2O3 / nitrogen deficient g-C3N4-x could utilize low-energy visible light more efficiently than pure g-C3N4, and the removal rate was 92% in 60 minutes

5-alpha Reductase inhibitors and risk of male breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Objective: To assess the relationship between 5α-reductase inhibitors (5ARIs) and the risk of male breast cancer (MBC). Material and Methods: We systematically searched Medline via PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library Central Register up to May 2017 to identify published articles related to 5ARIs and the risk of MBC. Results: Summary effect estimates were calculated by a random-effect model, and tests for multivariable-unadjusted pooled risk ratios (RR) and heterogeneity, as well as the sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess publication bias. All four studies were conducted in a quality assessment according to the Newcastle Ottawa Scale system. The strength of association between 5ARIs and the prevalence of MBC was evaluated by using summarized unadjusted pooled RR with a 95% confidence interval [CI]. Four studies involving 595.776 participants, mean age range from 60 to 73.2 years old, were included in a meta-analysis, which produced a summary unadjusted RR of the risk of MBC for the treatment of 5ARIs of 1.16 (95% CI 0.85-1.58, P=0.36) and the multivariable-adjusted RR is 1.03, (95% CI 0.75-1.41, p=0.86). There was no heterogeneity among included studies (I2=0%, P=0.49). Estimates of total effects were generally consistent with the sensitivity. Conclusion: We did not observe a positive association between the use of 5ARIs and MBC. The small number of breast cancer cases exposed to 5ARIs and the lack of an association in our study suggest that the development of breast cancer should not influence the prescribing of 5ARIs therapy

Dorsal penile nerve block versus eutectic mixture of local anesthetics cream for pain relief in infants during circumcision: A meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE:To compare dorsal penile nerve block (DPNB) and eutectic mixture of local anesthetics (EMLA) cream for pain relief in infants during circumcision. METHODS:We systematically searched Medline via PubMed, Embase, CNKI and the Cochrane Library Center Register to identify randomized controlled trials up to March 2018. Effect estimates were performed in random effect models. Mean neonate infant pain scale (NIPS) scores, incidence of hematoma, edema and erythema, mean heart rate were conducted to assessed the effect of analgesia. We found that the EMLA had significantly higher pain scores compared to DPNB (SMD = 3.72, 95% CI 1.27-6.17, P = 0.003). In DPNB group, the incidence of hematoma was significantly higher than EMLA group, OR = 0.03, 95% CI 0.00-0.24, P = 0.001. The analysis did not show any significant differences in mean heart rate and the risk of edema and erythema between EMLA and DPNB group (SMD = 21.71, 95% CI = -0.88-44.30, P = 0.06 & OR = 0.40, 95% CI 0.15-1.07, P = 0.07 & OR = 7.33, 95% CI 0.84-64.07, P = 0.07). CONCLUSION:Based on the pooled results from the included studies, we found that DPNB was significantly more effective in pain relief as indicated by mean NIPS score than EMLA in infants during circumcision. However, use of DPNB significantly increased the risk of hematoma

In Vivo Immunotoxicity of SiO2@(Y0.5Gd0.45Eu0.05)2O3 as Dual-Modality Nanoprobes

We have successfully synthesized SiO2@(Y0.5Gd0.45Eu0.05)2O3 nanocomposites as a potential dual-modality nanoprobe for molecular imaging in vitro. However, their immunotoxicity assessment in vivo remains unknown. In this article, the in vitro biocompatibility of our dual-modality nanoprobes was assayed in terms of cell viability and apoptosis. In vivo immunotoxicity was investigated by monitoring the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), cluster of differentiation (CD) markers and cytokines in Balb/c mice. The data show that the in vitro biocompatibility was satisfactory. In addition, the immunotoxicity data revealed there are no significant changes in the expression levels of CD11b and CD71 between the nanoprobe group and the Gd in a diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) chelator (Gd-DTPA) group 24 h after injection in Balb/c mice (p > 0.05). Importantly, there are significant differences in the expression levels of CD206 and CD25 as well as the secretion of IL-4 and the generation of ROS 24 h after injection (p < 0.05). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed that few nanoprobes were localized in the phagosomes of liver and lung. In conclusion, the toxic effects of our nanoprobes may mainly result from the aggregation of particles in phagosomes. This accumulation may damage the microstructure of the cells and generate oxidative stress reactions that further stimulate the immune response. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the in vivo immunotoxicity of these rare earth-based biomaterials at the molecular level before molecular imaging in vivo

Comparison of two cannulation methods for assessment of intracavernosal pressure in a rat model

<div><p>Intracavernous pressure (ICP) measurement is a well-established technique for assessing the erectile function, which was performed by cannulating either crus or shaft of the penis. However, there are no studies concerning the experimental performance of the two cannulation sites yet. The aim of this study was to compare the measuring outcomes using two different cannulation sites. To validate the capacity of our study, both normal and the castration-induced erectile dysfunction rat models were conducted. Fifty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized equally into two groups: an intact group and a castration group. Five rats from each group firstly underwent different stimulation parameters to detect the optimal erectile responses. The residual rats in each group were further assigned into two subgroups (n = 10 per subgroup) according to two different cannulation sites (crus or shaft of the corpus cavernosum). The ICP values were compared between groups after different interventions. The optimal parameters for mean maximum ICP were recorded at 2.5V and a frequency of 15 Hz. The rats under the two different cannulation sites tended to show similar ICP values in both the intact and the castration groups. However, the success rate in monitoring ICP was significantly higher in the groups cannulating into the shaft of the penis compared to the crus (100% <i>vs</i>. 70%; <i>P</i> = 0.02). Our data suggested that the method of cannulation into the penile shaft could serve as a better alternative for the ICP measurement in rats.</p></div

Exposure of the major pelvic ganglion (MPG) and the cavernosal nerve (CN).

<p>(A) The MPG can be found next to the internal iliac vein. (B) The exposed MPG and the CN. (C) The CN was isolated using a glass needle.</p

Effect of different voltages and frequencies on the erectile function parameters.

<p>(A, B): Quantitative analyses of erectile function at different voltages (1–10 V) of electrical stimulation induced in ICP in the intact group (left) and the castration group (right). (C, D): Representative ICP changes at different frequencies (10, 15 and 20 Hz) in the intact group (left) and the castration group (right). The x-axis depicted seconds and the Y-axis represented changes in ICP, black bars under the x-axis indicated a 60-second period of stimulation. (E, F) Quantitative analyses of mean maximum ICP at different frequencies (10, 15 and 20 Hz) in the intact group (left) and the castration group (right). These results were compiled from 5 of 25 animals in each of the intact group and the castration group. Each bar depicts the mean ± SEM, ^#<i>P</i> < 0.01.</p

Macroscopic images show different cannulation site in the corpus cavernosum.

<p>(A) Cannulating into the crus of the penis. (B) Cannulating into the penile shaft. (C) Anatomic relationships between the crus of the penis, the urethra, and the corpus spongiosum.</p

Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and intracavernous pressure (ICP) measurement.

<p>(A) The right internal carotid artery was detached and intubated with a 24-gauge angiocatheter to measure MAP. (B) Pulse stimulator was connected to a stainless steel bipolar hook electrode positioned on the cavernous nerves (CN). The parallel hooks were kept apart by an insulator. A piece of a latex glove was used to isolate the distal ends of the electrical stimulators. ICP was recorded with a 24-gauge venoclysis needle inserted into the corpora cavernosum and connected to a pressure transducer.</p