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ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of ustekinumab in 3 randomized, placebo-controlled studies in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (SpA). Studies 1 and 2 included patients with radiographic axial SpA (anti-tumor necrosis factor [anti-TNF]-naive patients and patients with inadequate response or intolerance to anti-TNF, respectively); study 3 patients had nonradiographic axial SpA.MethodsIn all 3 studies, patients were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to receive subcutaneous ustekinumab at 45 mg or 90 mg or placebo up to 24 weeks, after which placebo-treated patients were rerandomized to receive ustekinumab at 45 mg or 90 mg. The primary end point in studies 1 and 2 was the proportion of patients who met the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society criteria for 40% improvement in disease activity (achieved an ASAS40 response). The primary end point in study 3 was the proportion of patients who achieved an ASAS20 response. Other disease activity and safety measures were also evaluated. A week 24 analysis of study 1 was preplanned to determine continuation of studies 2 and 3.ResultsFor study 1, the primary and major secondary end points were not met, and the study was discontinued. As a result, studies 2 and 3 were prematurely discontinued before they were fully enrolled. For all 3 studies, neither ustekinumab dose group demonstrated clinically meaningful improvement over placebo on key efficacy end points. The proportion of patients experiencing adverse events in the ustekinumab groups was consistent with that in previous studies.ConclusionIn these 3 placebo-controlled trials, efficacy of ustekinumab in the treatment of axial SpA was not demonstrated. The safety profile was consistent with that of studies in other indications.

In this work, the successful synthesis of a Cu@g-C3N4/CeO2-like Z-scheme heterojunction through hydrothermal and photo-deposition methods represents high CO2 reduction activity with remarkable CO selectivity, as evidenced by the impressive CO yield of 33.8 μmol/g for Cu@g-C3N4/CeO2, which is over 10 times higher than that of g-C3N4 and CeO2 individually. The characterization and control experimental results indicate that the formation of heterojunctions and the introduction of Cu sites promote charge separation and the transfer of hot electrons, as well as the photothermal effect, which are the essential reasons for the improved CO2 reduction activity. Remarkably, Cu@g-C3N4/CeO2 still exhibits about 92% performance even after multiple cycles. In situ FTIR was utilized to confirm the production of COOH* at 1472 cm−1 and to elucidate the mechanism behind the high selectivity for CO production. The study's investigation into the wide-ranging applicability of the Cu@g-C3N4/CeO2-like Z-scheme heterojunction catalysts is noteworthy, and the exploration of potential reaction mechanisms for CO2 reduction adds valuable insights to the field of catalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction of heterojunctions is an effective strategy to improve the photogenerated carrier mobility rate and enhance the photocatalytic performance. The main bottlenecks in developing semiconductor photocatalysts lie in the poor light absorption and the fast recombination of photogenerated electron–hole pairs. In order to enhance the photocatalytic conversion of CO2, in this work, a kind of 2D/2D CuS/Ti3C2 heterostructure nanocomposites were designed. The formation of the heterojunction structure resulted in a significant enhancement of the light absorption range in the visible region of pristine Ti3C2 and a slight increase in the semiconductor bandgap width (2.58 eV), which in turn increased the generation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs and facilitated the acceleration of the carrier mobility efficiency, leading to a substantial improvement of the photocatalytic activity. After controlling the molar ratio of CuS/Ti3C2 at the optimum value of 1 : 8, the photocatalytic CO2 reduction conversion rate was the highest in the absence of co-catalysts. The yields of CO and CH4 were 10.68 and 25.21 μmol g−1 h−1, respectively, and were 5.51 and 3.15 times higher than that of pristine Ti3C2. Moreover, it resolved the bottleneck of the single CuS reduction product being only CO. In addition, the CuS/Ti3C2 (1 : 8) photocatalyst exhibited 35.07% selectivity and a C2H4 yield of 10.05 μmol g−1 h−1. The presence of large amounts of C1 and C2 intermediates on the catalyst surface was observed by in situ FTIR. Notably, after a cycling stability test lasting 40 h, the best samples retained 88.8% of the initial efficiency with good stability. This study further elucidates the mechanism of action and synergistic effects of CuS and Ti3C2 semiconductors in enhancing photoactivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Healthcare professionals wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) during outbreaks often experience heat strain and discomfort, which can negatively impact their work performance and well-being. This study aimed to evaluate the physiological and psychological effects of a newly designed wearable cooling and dehumidifying system (WCDS) on healthcare workers wearing PPE via a 60 min treadmill walking test. Core temperature, mean skin temperature, heart rate, and subjective assessments of thermal sensation, wetness sensation, and thermal comfort were measured throughout the test. Additionally, ratings of wearing comfort and movement comfort were recorded during a wearing trial. The results showed that the WCDS significantly reduced core temperature, improved thermal sensation, and reduced wetness sensation compared to the non-cooling condition. The microclimatic temperature within the PPE was significantly lower in the cooling condition, indicating the WCDS's ability to reduce heat buildup. The wearing trial results demonstrated general satisfaction with the wearability and comfort of the WCDS across various postures. These findings contribute to the development of enhanced PPE designs and the improvement in working conditions for healthcare professionals on the frontlines during outbreaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surge in anthropogenic CO2 emissions from fossil fuel dependence demands innovative solutions, such as artificial photosynthesis, to convert CO2 into value-added products. Unraveling the CO2 photoreduction mechanism at the molecular level is vital for developing high-performance photocatalysts. Here we show kinetic isotope effect evidence for the contested protonation pathway for CO2 photoreduction on TiO2 nanoparticles, which challenges the long-held assumption of electron-initiated activation. Employing isotopically labeled H2O/D2O and in-situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy, we observe H+/D+-protonated intermediates on TiO2 nanoparticles and capture their inverse decay kinetic isotope effect. Our findings significantly broaden our understanding of the CO2 uptake mechanism in semiconductor photocatalysts. Yin et al. reveal a protonation pathway in CO2 photoreduction on TiO2, challenging electron activation theories and diversifying photocatalyst design, distinct from Fischer-Tropsch and Sabatier processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Targeting issues in initial allocation of carbon emission allowance in port industry, this study puts forth a mixed allocation method that uses the baseline method for handling production allowance and the historical intensity method for auxiliary production allowance. This study clarifies the organizational boundary and operational boundary using this method, analyzes related factors, and provides the computational formulas. In the instance analysis, the specific calculation process of applying this method to specialized container terminal, specialized dry bulk terminal and general terminal, as well as the value method of basic data and correlation coefficient are given. Compared with the single use of historical intensity method or baseline method for allocation of allowances, although the operation of the mixed allocation method is relatively complicated, it not only considers the historical emission basis of the emission control enterprises, but also achieves a fairer and more reasonable performance by setting the baseline intensity of the loading and unloading production links. This research will help drive port companies to enter the carbon emissions trading markets as soon as possible, playing a promotive role in catalysing sustainable development of port companies.

In the process of decision on technical solution to vapor recovery of refined oil terminals, the grey-correlation analysis (GCA) is introduced to optimise technical solutions by building a multi-target decision model and using the sequencing of weighted grey-correlation degree (GCD) of evaluation solution as judgment criteria, to determine the priorities of solutions, and the effectiveness of the decision method is verified by a practical example.

A highly sensitive sandwich DNA detection method based on voltammetric detection of thionine-capped gold nanoparticle (AuNP)/reporter DNA conjugate tags on gold particle-modified screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) was developed. The SPCE was modified with gold particle by electrodeposition of gold on SPCE surface. The DNA sensor was prepared by self-assembly of a thiolated DNA probe on gold particle-modified SPCEs. The sandwich-type system was formed by specific recognition of biosensor surface-confined probe DNA to target DNA, followed by attachment of thionine-capped AuNPs/reporter DNA conjugates. The biosensor is very sensitive because of the large number of electroactive thionine molecules in the thionine-capped AuNPs/reporter DNA conjugates. Under optimal conditions, the dynamic detection range of target DNA was from 1.0 x [10.sup.-16] to 1.0 x [10.sup.-14] mol [L.sup.-1], and the detection limit was 0.5 x10-16 mol L-1. The DNA sensor exhibited selectivity against single-base mismatched DNA. Keywords DNA * Sandwich * Thionine * Gold nanoparticles/ reporter DNA conjugates * Screen-printed carbonelectrode, Introduction High-sensitivity detection of nucleic acids is essential in clinical diagnosis, pathology, and genetics [1, 2]. Sensitivity of DNA biosensors is usually determined by signal variation amplitude of hybridization event. [...]