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A simple method to prepare pH responsive Poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC) composite membrane was provided by blending with Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) hydrolysed. To introduce reactive groups for weak polyelectrolye, PVC/PAN/SiO2 composite hollow fiber membranes (HFMs) was prepared by a hydrolysis of polyacrylonitrile in different concentration alkaline solution. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron micrograph (SEM) were used to characterize the chemical and morphological changes of the composite membranes. The pH responsive of the obtained composite membrane performance was discussed by the water flux, reversible permeability experiments and diffusional permeability experiments. The results revealed that the obtained membranes with hydrolysis reaction showed evident pH sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chylothorax is a seldom encountered complication following lung surgery. However, due to the widespread practice of lung surgery, postoperative complications have inevitably arisen. Chylothorax significantly affects a patient's discharge and recovery. This study investigates the risk factors for postoperative chylothorax at our center and analyzes various treatment modalities and prognostic outcomes., Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on all postoperative lung resections performed between January 2018 to August 2021 that met the inclusion criteria. Inclusion criteria covered patients undergoing various thoracic surgeries for lung conditions, while exclusion criteria included postoperative referrals for surgeries unrelated to lung tumors., Results: Postoperative chylothorax occurred in 42 of 5,706 patients after lung surgery. General information and disease-related data of the chylothorax and control group were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analyses. Multivariate analysis showed that serum albumin before surgery [odds ratio (OR) =0.86, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.81-0.91, P<0.001], γ-glutamyl transferase level before surgery (after logarithmic transformation, OR =1.01, 95% CI: 1.00-1.01, P=0.01), squamous cell carcinoma (OR =2.77, 95% CI: 1.37-5.6, P=0.008), right mediastinal lymph node dissection (OR =3.15, 95% CI: 1.62-6.14, P<0.001) were independent risk factors for postoperative chylothorax. Among the 42 cases of postoperative chylothorax, 26 patients were improved with conservative treatments, and 6 patients were improved with chemical pleurodesis. Eight patients with postoperative chylothorax underwent thoracoscopic thoracic duct ligation. Three patients experienced severe postoperative complications: one was discharged after prolonged treatment, while the remaining two either succumbed or were discharged against medical advice., Conclusions: The incidence of chylothorax after lung surgery closely correlates with the intraoperative trauma and nutritional status of patients during the perioperative period. The majority of patients with postoperative chylothorax experienced relief through conservative measures, somatostatin administration, and chemical pleurodesis. Nevertheless, substantial postoperative chylothorax necessitated surgical intervention, involving thoracic duct ligation or drug pleurodesis., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form (available at https://jtd.amegroups.com/article/view/10.21037/jtd-24-692/coif). All authors report that this work was supported by the Major Research Project of the Science and Technology Department of Zhejiang Province (No. 2021C03124) and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 82372773 and 82103305). The authors have no other conflicts of interest to declare., (2024 Journal of Thoracic Disease. All rights reserved.)

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a serious health concern in China. The goal of this cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence of NAFLD and identify the risk factors associated with this disease in Northern China., Methods: In 2007, a total of 6063 adults from Dehui, a city in Northern China, were surveyed and demographic and social-economic characteristics, life behaviors, and medical history were recorded. Among them, 3850 subjects were randomly selected for physical examination, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test, fasting lipid and liver function profiles, hepatitis B and C infection screening, and ultrasound examination. The frequency of NAFLD in this population was analyzed by the Chi-square test and the association of potential risk factors was analyzed by logistic regression., Results: The prevalence of NAFLD was 15.9% in this population and the prevalence in females was significantly higher than that in males, particularly for the elderly subgroup. Obesity, hypertension, FPG, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome (MS)-related hyperlipidemia were significantly associated with NAFLD. The data indicate that MS-related multiple risk factors synergistically increase the risk for NAFLD., Conclusion: The prevalence of NAFLD is high in Northern China, which may be associated with the high incidence of diabetes, hypertension, and MS in this area.