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In pursuit of effective adsorption materials for malodorous gases such as H2S and to broaden the utilization avenues of lignin waste, this study employed the direct pyrolysis method to synthesize three types of alkali lignin graphitized carbons, namely C-800, KC-700, and KEC-700. Among them, KEC-700 exhibits a high specific surface area of 1672.9 m2/g, significantly superior H2S adsorption performance compared to other materials, an adsorption breakthrough time of up to 220 min, and a sulfur capacity of 67.1 mg/g. Structural analysis showed that the more oxygen-containing functional groups of lignin charcoal and the larger specific surface area facilitated the adsorption of H2S. After reaching adsorption saturation, the degree of graphitization of lignin carbon diminishes. The H2S adsorption products primarily manifest as elemental sulfur and sulfate within the pores of lignin carbon measuring less than 2 nm. Through thermal regeneration, the charcoal effectively eliminates the elemental sulfur adsorption product. Nevertheless, sulfate removal proved unsatisfactory, as the adsorption efficiency of KEC-700 following two thermal regenerations was approximately 41% of that observed for fresh samples.

Abstract: Effects of maltodextrin (MD) and four types of proteins, viz., whey protein isolate, egg albumin, soy protein isolate and pea protein on the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of spray-dried black mulberry juice powders were investigated. Generally, animal proteins were more effective than the plant ones in powder recoveries. Differential scanning calorimeter analysis revealed better compatibility of the mulberry juice-MD than that of juice-protein matrix. When the juice total soluble solid was replaced by protein at the same ratio, the spray-dried powders with animal protein involvements resulted in smaller particle size, lower moisture content, bulk density, total phenolic content, DPPH scavenging capacity but higher water solubility index (WSI) and total color difference (ΔE) as compared with the plant proteins. In addition, the spray-dried powders with MD as carrier showed lower hygroscopicity, ΔEand higher WSI as compared with the proteins. This work provided some fundamental knowledge and practical guidance in improving the powder recovery of spray drying of fruit juice. Graphic Abstract:

Purpose:The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of various genetic polymorphisms and clinical factors on tacrolimus (TAC) concentration in the convalescence period (CP) and stabilization period (SP) post-liver transplantation. Patients & methods:A total of 13 SNPs were genotyped in 97 Chinese liver transplant recipients. Associations between SNPs and TAC trough blood concentration/dose ratio (C0/D) were analyzed using different genetic models in both CP and SP. Results:Only five SNPs were significantly associated with TAC log (C0/D) in the CP, and none showed a significant association in the SP. We identified rs15524 (CYP3A5), rs9200 (C6), albumin and creatinine as independent predictors of TAC C0/D in the CP. Furthermore, a final model in the CP explained a total of 30.5% TAC variation. Conclusion:Our study results suggest that in the early stages post-transplantation surgery, recipients’ genetic and clinical factors exert a short-term impact on TAC metabolism that gradually decreases with time.

Two interesting homochiral coordination polymers based on in situ produced zinc(II)/cadmium(II) clusters, namely, {[Zn4(L)2(OH)2(H2O)3]·3H2O}n(1) and {[Cd3(L)2(H2O)4]·4H2O}n(2), were hydro/solvothermally synthesized by the reaction of the designed enantiomerically pure chiral ligand (S)-5-((2-carboxy-5-oxopyrrolidin-1-yl)methyl)isophthalic acid (H3L) with Zn(OH)2or Cd(OH)2. Complex 1is a three-dimensional (3D) metallohelicate constructed from novel six-fold helical chain substructures based on tetranuclear zinc(II) clusters. Complex 2is a 2D double-layered metallohelicate containing interesting four-fold helical chain substructures based on trinuclear cadmium(II) clusters. Topologically, 1can be described as an interesting (3,4,7)-connected net with a point symbol of (42·6)(42·64)(44·615·82), while 2can be reducible to a (3,6)-connected kgd net. Thermal analyses disclosed that the dehydrated frameworks of 1and 2had excellent thermostability. Clearly, the in situ produced zinc(II)/cadmium(II) clusters are of great significance not only in the formation of novel helical frameworks of 1and 2but also in the excellent thermostability of their frameworks. Furthermore, their solid-state optical properties, including CD spectra and nonlinear optical and luminescence properties, were also carried out. In particular, 1and 2show remarkable second harmonic generation with efficiencies about 1.15 and 0.95 times that of potassium dihydrogen phosphate, respectively. Even more important, the high thermostability and remarkable second harmonic generation response of colorless transparent crystalline materials 1and 2are meaningful for further exploring their optical applications.

Small airway dysfunction is a common but neglected respiratory abnormality. Little is known about its prevalence, risk factors, and prognostic factors in China or anywhere else in the world. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of small airway dysfunction using spirometry before and after bronchodilation, both overall and in specific population subgroups; assess its association with a range of lifestyle and environmental factors (particularly smoking); and estimate the burden of small airway dysfunction in China.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), a prevalent metabolic disorder, often coexists with a range of complications, with retinopathy being particularly common. Recent studies have shed light on a potential connection between diabetic retinopathy (DR) and hepatic fibrosis, indicating a possible shared pathophysiological foundation in T2DM. This study investigates the correlation between retinopathy and hepatic fibrosis among individuals with T2DM, as well as evaluates the diagnostic value of DR for significant hepatic fibrosis.

Noninvasive and early assessment of liver fibrosis is of great significance and is challenging. We aimed to evaluate the predictive performance and cost-effectiveness of the LiverRisk score for liver fibrosis and liver-related and diabetes-related mortality in the general population.

The lipase in fresh rice bran was used to hydrolyze the ester bond of Tween on gold nanoparticles colorimetric sensor to detect the lipase activity in rice bran. The characterization showed that the Zeta value of gold nanoparticles changed from −16.58 mV to −3.56 mV and the gold nanoparticles shifted to rapid aggregation. When the lipase activity was in the range of 0.33 U/ml to 56.8 U/ml, the detection limit was 0.0528 U/ml. The lipase activity in fresh rice bran detected by gold nanoparticles colorimetric sensor was highly correlated with potentiostatic titration (R2= 0.999). The relative deviation of A650/A520 obtained by adding lipoxygenase, peroxidase and esterase was less than 5%. Six gold nanoparticles colorimetric sensors developed in the same batch were used to detect the lipase activity in rice bran samples. The gold nanoparticles colorimetric sensor modified by Tween 20 was accurate and reusable.

A photoelectrochemical (PEC) biosensor based on SnO2nanoparticles (SnO2NPs) was developed and applied for phosphatidylcholine (PC) detection in soybean oil. SnO2NPs were grown on an indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode, polythionine (PTh) was electropolymerized on the surface of ITO/SnO2NPs, and choline oxidase (ChOx) was immobilized to prepare the ITO/SnO2NPs/PTh/ChOxelectrode. The developed PEC biosensor can detect PC under visible light irradiation. The experimental conditions for PC detection were as follows: 1.8 mg mL−1ChOxconcentration, 0.5 V bias voltage, 18 mW cm−2light intensity, and pH 6. The PEC biosensor had a detection limit of 0.005 mM (S/N = 3) and a detection range from 0.03 mM to 4 mM. This PEC biosensor based on SnO2NPs was applied to detect PC in soybean oil. The recovery rate tested by the standard addition method was 95.2–107.4%. These findings were consistent with the results obtained by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Therefore, the proposed PEC biosensor based on SnO2NPs has excellent reproducibility, stability, and great potential applications in the PEC analysis of PC in soybean oil.

Ru–Ni/NaY catalyst modified by ruthenium was prepared by impregnation method. The structure and performance of the catalyst were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, low temperature N2adsorption/desorption and X-ray diffraction, it was found that Ru–Ni/NaY catalyst has the advantages of small average particle size, uniform distribution and high dispersion. By controlling the current density at a sodium formate concentration of 0.5 mol/L to determine the activation effect of the catalyst, high catalytic activity and low hydrogenation reaction process can be achieved. When the concentration of sodium formate was 0.5 mol/L, the preactivation stirring speed was 300 r/min, the temperature was 75 °C, the preactivation time was 90 min, and the current was 200 mA, the catalyst is used in the conjugation reaction cycle. The bimetal Ru–Ni/NaY catalyst can be recycled for five times. The electrochemical activation of Ru–Ni/NaY catalyst and conventional activation was applied to the isomerization reaction of grape seed oil, respectively. Through the analysis of fatty acid composition of the product, the SCLAisomerization degree of Ru–Ni/NaY catalyst was 87.5%, SHPwas 8.6%. And the main conjugated linoleic acids were c9, t11-CLA and t11-CLA, with the contents of 20.53% and 15.49%, respectively. The results demonstrate that electrochemical activation improves the isomerization selectivity of Ru–Ni/NaY catalyst and reduces the hydrogenation selectivity.

Asthma is a common chronic airway disease worldwide. Despite its large population size, China has had no comprehensive study of the national prevalence, risk factors, and management of asthma. We therefore aimed to estimate the national prevalence of asthma in a representative sample of the Chinese population.

Development of a Pd-based catalyst with highly active and durable properties for formic acid oxidation reaction at the anode remains an important matter of interest in the research community. Herein, we have designed novel coal-based carbon fibers (Coal-CFs) with dicyandiamide (DCD) as nitrogen (N) source, triphenylphosphine (TPP) as phosphorus (P) source dual-doped to support Pd catalysts (Pd/NP-Coal-CFs(DCD/TPP)), which exhibit superior catalytic performance toward formic acid oxidation reaction. Mass activity of formic acid oxidation of Pd/NP-Coal-CFs(DCD/TPP) catalyst is 536.6 mA·mg–1Pd, which is 2.5 times higher than that of Pd/Coal-CFs catalyst. The higher specific surface areas, exclusive electron transport path, and the high synergistic interaction of N and P are the favorable phenomena for catalytic performance. The addition of coal not only increases the abundant defects sites but also makes the utilization of coal with high added value. This N and P dual-doped catalyst inspires an idea for promoting applications in practical fuel cells.

Three novel heterogeneous Zr‐containing organic–inorganic hybrid catalysts were prepared for the transfer hydrogenation of biomass‐derived ethyl levulinate (EL) to γ‐valerolactone (GVL) with isopropyl alcohol (IPA) as the hydrogen donor and were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), Temperature‐programmed desorption (TPD), Thermogravimetry (TG), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). On their basis, the effects of temperature, time, the amount of catalyst, and the solvent were investigated on the yield of GVL. A GVL yield of 96.5% with 99% EL conversion was obtained using Zr‐Pg, which was prepared by the reaction of ZrCl4and phloroglucinol (Pg) in N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) at room temperature. The high catalytic activity may be attributed to the strong basicity, which was increased by the sufficient quantity of phenate in the structure of Zr‐Pg. Meanwhile, Zr‐Pg could be efficiently and easily recycled at least five times without any notable loss of activity and selectivity. Through the results of comparative experiments and characterization, we propose a plausible reaction mechanism for the high activity of Zr‐Pg. We synthesized a new porous Zr‐containing catalyst (termed Zr‐Pg) using ZrCl4and phloroglucinol in N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) for the catalytic transfer hydrogenation of ethyl levulinate (EL) to produce γ‐valerolactone (GVL) using isopropanol as the hydrogen source and solvent, affording a GVL yield of 96.5% with 99% EL conversion.

Catalytic transfer hydrogenation (CTH) of ethyl levulinate (EL) to γ‐valerolactone (GVL) is an alluring reaction in the field of biomass catalytic conversion, but it normally depends on the consumption of H2. In this study, we report a porous Zr‐containing inorganic pyrophosphate catalyst (ZrOPP), which was used as a catalyst for CTH of EL to GVL in the presence of isopropanol and characterized using FT‐IR, py‐FTIR, TGA, XRD, BET, XPS, ICP‐AES, SEM, TEM, NH3‐TPD, and CO2‐TPD. We achieved a high yield of 94% GVL at 433 K for 11 hr. Furthermore, the ZrOPP has the trait of easy separation and could be reused more than five times without distinct decrease in activity and selectivity. In addition, this catalyst could also be applied to other catalytic hydrogenation reactions, such as those of cyclohexanone, acetophenone, 2‐heptanone etc. Its outstanding performance was mainly ascribed to the acid sites from the Zr element and basic sites from phosphate groups interspersing on the surface of the catalyst. A porous inorganic zirconyl pyrophosphate was prepared, exhibiting excellent catalytic activity for catalytic transfer hydrogenation of ethyl levulinate (EL) to γ‐valerolactone (GVL) in isopropanol. In addition, this catalyst also exhibits catalytic activity for other catalytic hydrogenation reactions, such as those of cyclohexanone, acetophenone, 2‐heptanone etc.

In the present work, we report the exploration of rationally designed electrodes based on quasi-aligned nanoarrays composited by the cores of SiC nanowires and shells of sulfur-doped porous carbons (SiC@PC-S), which are directly employed as the free-standing electrodes for Zn-ion hybrid supercapacitors. They behave an ultrahigh areal capacitance of 38.24 mF/cm2at a scan rate of 10 mV/s, with an exceptional rate capability (~20.67 mF/cm2even at 1000 mV/s). The as-constructed hybrid supercapacitors deliver a remarkable energy of 10.6 μWh/cm2, which is the highest one among SiC-based supercapacitors ever reported. Moreover, such hybrid devices exhibit a high power density of 7.2 mW/cm2and a robust cycle stability with ~97 % capacitance retention after 5000 cycles at 2 mA/cm2, representing their promising practical applications.

Organic hybrid zirconium phosphonate materials (ZrATMP, ZrEDTMPS, ZrDTPMPA, and ZrHEDP) were synthesized through reaction of organic phosphonic acid sodium salt and ZrOCl2in water, which exhibited high catalytic activity on the conversion of ethyl levulinate (EL) to γ‐valerolactone (GVL) in the presence of isopropanol. The obtained catalysts were characterized by FT‐IR, TGA, XRD, BET, XPS, ICP‐AES, SEM, TEM, NH3‐TPD, and CO2‐TPD. The results demonstrate that the number of acid sites and basic sites between the layers of the catalysts play a very important role in promoting the conversion of EL to GVL and that the functional groups that exist in phosphates could regulate the number of acid and basic sites. Meanwhile, the catalysts could be easily separated from the reaction system and reused at least five times without any obvious decrease in activity or selectivity. A series of hybrid organic zirconium phosphonate materials were prepared, possessing excellent catalytic activity for the catalytic transfer hydrogenation of EL to GVL in isopropanol.

Gel injection for shrimp is a commonly adulterated way to obtain illegal profits by unscrupulous traders. In this study, a method based on low field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) and magnetic resonance imaging was developed to investigate the gel-injected adulteration in a fast and non-destructive manner. Shrimp samples injected with carrageenan in the range of 0.2–1.2 mL at 0.2 mL increments were measured and analyzed. The Carr–Purcell–Meiboom–Gill (CPMG) decay curves of LF-NMR indicated that the adulterated shrimp decayed slower as the injected gel increased. Differences of relaxation times were observed from spin–spin relaxation curve (T2) for different amount of gel adulteration. Besides, the areas of expelled bulk water (A24) and the areas of all populations (ATotal) vary with the quantity of injected gel regularly. Partial least square model was applied using CPMG decay signals, A24, and ATotalfor the prediction of gel injection in shrimps. Different dimension processed methods were used for modeling, in which multi-exponential fitting method exhibited the best model stability and a better accuracy (R2of prediction sets = 0.9156). The characteristics of MR images from the adulterated shrimps were extracted using image processing techniques. The MR image processing results revealed that adulterated shrimp samples can be identified based on the gray level and area of injection sites from the MR images.

Although exposure to cigarette smoking and air pollution is common, the current prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is unknown in the Chinese adult population. We conducted the China Pulmonary Health (CPH) study to assess the prevalence and risk factors of COPD in China.

Li4-x/3Ti5-2x/3CrxO12 hierarchical mesoporous microspheres have been synthesized by a one-pot co-precipitation method. The crystal structures, morphologies and electrochemical performances of the as-prepared materials were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), electron microscopy and electrochemical testing. The XRD results show that the materials are pure phase and perfect crystalline with spinel structure. XPS results further identify the chemical state of Cr is trivalent, Ti is trivalent and tetravalent in Li3.85Ti4.70Cr0.46O12. Microscopic observations reveal that Li3.85Ti4.70Cr0.46O12 shows hierarchical mesoporous microsphere structure. Li3.85Ti4.70Cr0.46O12 exhibits excellent electrochemical properties, the rate capacity reaches 192.7 mAh g[?]1, 182.6 mAh g[?]1, 179.0 mAh g[?]1, 172.2 mAh g[?]1 and 163.9 mAh g[?]1 at 0.5 C, 1 C, 2 C, 5 C and 10 C, respectively. The discharge capacity of 152.9 mAh g[?]1 can be obtained after 200 cycles at 10 C. Furthermore, Cr-doping not only reduces polarization, but also increases Li+ diffusion rate of the material.

As an environmentally friendly energy technology, direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) meet the needs of sustainable development. Herein, novel dicyanamide anion-based (N(CN)2–) ionic liquid (IL)-functionalized reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-supported Pt catalysts are synthesized via a facile one-pot room temperature reduction method, which show a boost in methanol oxidation performance compared with Pt/rGO. The mass activities of the as-prepared Pt/emimN(CN)2/rGO (863.6 mA mg–1Pt) and Pt/epyN(CN)2/rGO (524.9 mA mg–1Pt) are about five and three times higher than that of Pt/rGO (178.6 mA mg–1Pt), and about six and four times higher than that of Pt/C (140.2 mA mg–1Pt), respectively. The participation of ILs significantly improves the CO poisoning resistance, stability, and activity for methanol oxidation of catalysts. The relationship between the structures and conductivities of diverse ILs and the performance of Pt catalysts are studied systematically. These findings may offer a promising prospect of ILs in DMFCs.

Elderly populations with underlying chronic diseases are more vulnerable to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and have higher mortality. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease that occurs more often in elderly people. Currently, little is known about whether patients with PD are more susceptible to novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and whether the treatment of PD would affect the management of COVID-19 or vice versa. Here, we report a case of a PD patient with severe COVID-19 pneumonia in Wuhan, China. After diagnosis of COVID-19, this PD patient had worsening of motor symptoms, complicated with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, urinary tract infection, and acute encephalopathy. In addition to treatment for COVID-19 and urinary tract infection, we adjusted anti-PD medicine by stepwise increasing of dose, resulting in better control of her mobility symptoms and non-motor symptoms.

Small airways dysfunction (SAD) is common but neglected respiratory abnormality. However, little is known about its prevalence, risk factors, and prognosis in the general population of China.

Li4-x/3Ti5-2x/3CrxO12hierarchical mesoporous microspheres have been synthesized by a one-pot co-precipitation method. The crystal structures, morphologies and electrochemical performances of the as-prepared materials were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), electron microscopy and electrochemical testing. The XRD results show that the materials are pure phase and perfect crystalline with spinel structure. XPS results further identify the chemical state of Cr is trivalent, Ti is trivalent and tetravalent in Li3.85Ti4.70Cr0.46O12. Microscopic observations reveal that Li3.85Ti4.70Cr0.46O12shows hierarchical mesoporous microsphere structure. Li3.85Ti4.70Cr0.46O12exhibits excellent electrochemical properties, the rate capacity reaches 192.7 mAh g−1, 182.6 mAh g−1, 179.0 mAh g−1, 172.2 mAh g−1and 163.9 mAh g−1at 0.5 C, 1 C, 2 C, 5 C and 10 C, respectively. The discharge capacity of 152.9 mAh g−1can be obtained after 200 cycles at 10 C. Furthermore, Cr-doping not only reduces polarization, but also increases Li+diffusion rate of the material.