Mechanochemical Degradation of Polystyrene Into Benzene for Recycling and Upcycling.

Synthetic plastics sourced from petroleum have gained widespread use since the 1950s. Polystyrene (PS) is one of the most extensively used plastics, as it is colorless, has high mechanical strength, and exhibits excellent chemical and thermal stability; however, it is also one of the least recycled plastics because of the high cost and low profit in recycling. Herein, we demonstrate a mechanochemical recycling approach that allows PS to be efficiently degraded into benzene when it is ground in a ball mill with AlCl.

Immobilization and accelerated conversion of polysulfides using vanadium-regulated metal sulfide catalysts for Li-S batteries.

Lithium-sulfur batteries possess significant potential due to their high energy density and cost-effectiveness. However, sluggish redox kinetics, polysulfide shuttle effects, and the inadequate oxidation of LiS impede their practical application. To overcome these challenges, electrocatalysts with high intrinsic activity are essential for enhancing performance.

Clinical significance of urine-based automated detection of GSTP1 methylation for the diagnosis of suspected prostate cancer patients.

Background: Glutathione S-transferase Pi-1 (GSTP1) methylation is detectable in prostate cancer (PCa) tissues, blood, and urine post-prostate massage, with elevated levels in urine samples. But its role in urine samples for PCa diagnosis is still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the clinical significance of urine-based automated detection of GSTP1 methylation technology in the diagnosis of clinical suspected PCa patients.

Clinical application of 4N-enhanced recovery after surgery in retroperitoneal laparoscopic resection of adrenal tumors.

Background: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) has been widely applied in various surgical fields to improve postoperative recovery and reduce complications. However, its application in retroperitoneal laparoscopic resection of adrenal tumors remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effect and value of the 4N-ERAS protocol, which includes no Foley catheter, no drainage, no antibiotics, and "no pain" management for the postoperative recovery of patients undergoing retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenal tumors resection.

First use and evaluation of a novel 6.3 Fr disposable flexible ureteroscope for stone management in duplex kidney: a case report.

Background: Flexible ureteroscopy (FURS) is increasingly used as the first-line treatment for urological procedures. Disposable digital (dd-)FURS has been developed to overcome limitations such as durability, degradation, and repair cost of reusable scopes. The diameter of commercially-available models ranges from 7.

How do stretch rate, temperature, and solvent exchange affect elastic network rupture?

In this study, we investigate three different polymeric networks in terms of their tensile strength as a function of stretching rate, or temperature, or medium viscosity. Both an acrylate-based elastomer and a crosslinked poly(methyl acrylate) are stronger, more stretchable, and tougher at high rates. They are also much stronger at lower temperatures.

A rational design of titanium-based heterostructures as electrocatalyst for boosted conversion kinetics of polysulfides in Li-S batteries.

Lithium-sulfur batteries have great potential for next-generation electrochemical storage systems owing to their high theoretical specific energy and cost-effectiveness. However, the shuttle effect of soluble polysulfides and sluggish multi-electron sulfur redox reactions has severely impeded the implementation of lithium-sulfur batteries. Herein, we prepared a new type of TiC-TiO heterostructure sandwich nanosheet confined within polydopamine derived N-doped porous carbon.

Predictors of Primary Functional Maturation of Autogenous Radiocephalic Arteriovenous Fistula in a Cohort of Asian Patients.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the predictors of autogenous radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula (RCAVF) maturation.

Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of patients undergoing RCAVF creation from June 2013 to December 2018 at a single medical center. Comparison of the variables between the matured and nonmatured group was performed.

Effects of Internet popular opinion leaders (iPOL) among Internet-using men who have sex with men.

Background: The Internet has become a popular venue for facilitating sex networking for men who have sex with men (MSM).

Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Internet popular opinion leaders (iPOL) in disseminating information about the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), increasing the frequency of HIV testing, and reducing risky behaviors among MSM in Taiwan.

Methods: A quasi-experimental study with a nonequivalent control website for comparison was used to estimate the effectiveness of iPOL.