Effect of electroacupuncture on discomfort during gastroscopy: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Gastroscopy procedures are frequently performed under general sedation to minimize discomfort. Patients who refuse a sedative injection may experience more discomfort and adverse reactions such as pain and nausea. These instances reduce patient compliance and willingness to participate in future procedures.

Templated interfacial synthesis of metal-organic framework (MOF) nano- and micro-structures with precisely controlled shapes and sizes.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOF) are an emerging class of microporous materials with promising applications. MOF nanocrystals, and their assembled super-structures, can display unique properties and reactivities when compared with their bulk analogues. MOF nanostructures of 0-D, 2-D, and 3-D dimensions can be routinely obtained by controlling reaction conditions and ligand additives, while formation of 1-D MOF nanocrystals (nanowires and nanorods) and super-structures has been relatively rare.

Preparation and characterization of N-TiO2 photocatalyst with high crystallinity and enhanced photocatalytic inactivation of bacteria.

This study reports the synthesis, characterization and environmental applications of nitrogen doped TiO2 photocatalyst in the form of powder and film. N-TiO2 photocatalysts were synthesized via the hydrolysis of titanium tetraisopropoxide using urea as the nitrogen source. The crystalline structure, particle size and specific surface area of the resultant N-TiO2 nanoparticles were investigated by x-ray powder diffraction and the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method.

Synthesis of Ag-TiO2 composite nano thin film for antimicrobial application.

TiO2 photocatalysts have been found to kill cancer cells, bacteria and viruses under mild UV illumination, which offers numerous potential applications. On the other hand, Ag has long been proved as a good antibacterial material as well. The advantage of Ag-TiO2 nanocomposite is to expand the nanomaterial's antibacterial function to a broader range of working conditions.

Effect of the structure of gelators on electro-optical properties of liquid crystal physical gels.

Low molecular mass organic gelator (LMOG) as an important component of liquid crystal physical gel has a great influence on the electro-optical properties. In this paper, three analogues of amide gelator were synthesized and employed as LMOGs in nematic liquid crystal 5CB. Both hydrogen-bonding and pi-pi-stacking interactions in the gel phase were found to stabilize the self-assembled structure.

Preparation of porous chitosan gel beads for copper(II) ion adsorption.

In this paper, chitosan porous beads were prepared by using a phase inversion technique, and then used for the adsorption and removal of copper(II) ions. The porosity, diameter and other characteristics were characterized. With the increase of chitosan and NaOH concentration used to prepare the beads, the amount of adsorbed Cu2+ per gram of the beads decreased.